A Race Against Time

The sun had barely begun to rise when Lisa, a 32-year-old nurse, laced up her running shoes and set out for her morning jog in the park. The cool breeze mixed with the distant chirping of birds, creating a peaceful rhythm as she ran along the paved trail.

Everything felt routine—until she saw a man collapse near the benches ahead.

Lisa’s instincts took over. She sprinted toward him, her heart pounding, but not from running. As she knelt beside him, she noticed he wasn’t moving. His face was pale, his lips turning blue.

“Sir, can you hear me?” she called out, shaking his shoulder. No response.

A woman nearby gasped and pulled out her phone. “I’m calling 911!”

Lisa quickly checked for a pulse—nothing. She placed her ear near his mouth, watching his chest for movement. No breathing.

BLS Support Begins
Lisa knew every second counted. She immediately started chest compressions, pressing hard and fast at the center of his chest.

“One, two, three, four…” she counted, keeping the beat steady at 100-120 compressions per minute. Sweat dripped from her brow as she continued.

After 30 compressions, she tilted his head back, pinched his nose, and gave two rescue breaths. His chest barely rose. She adjusted and tried again.

Still nothing.

Lisa’s hands were steady, her mind racing. Come on, breathe! she urged silently, returning to compressions.

An AED Arrives
Just then, a park security officer rushed over, carrying an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

Lisa quickly attached the electrode pads to the man’s bare chest. The machine analyzed his heart rhythm.

“Shock advised.”

Lisa cleared everyone away and pressed the button. The man’s body jolted.

She immediately resumed CPR, her arms burning from exertion, but she didn’t stop. 30 compressions, 2 breaths… again and again.

Then—a gasp.

The man’s chest rose, and his eyelids fluttered open. A weak, confused groan escaped his lips.

Lisa let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Moments later, paramedics arrived, taking over as Lisa wiped sweat from her forehead, her hands still trembling.

“You saved his life,” one of the paramedics said, securing an oxygen mask on the man.

Lisa sat back on her heels, watching as they loaded him onto the stretcher.

She had done what she was trained to do. And today, it had made all the difference.