Samaritan Healthcare | The Samaritan | Winter 2018

Winter 2018 3 ‘ They didn ’ t give up’ After recovering from cardiac arrest, Todd Turner says ‘thank you’ P aramedics, fire department personnel, and emergency staff lined the halls of the emergency department to greet Todd Turner as he walked in just months after experiencing cardiac arrest. He wanted to thank the team responsible for saving his life. Joined by his wife, Paula, and their two children, Todd relayed his side of the ex- perience and expressed his profound thanks to Samaritan Healthcare’s emergency department staff and the paramedics in attendance. “I don’t remember exactly what happened during my cardiac arrest, other than what I was told, because I coded,” recalled Todd. “But I do know the paramedics and fire department got to the house fast and worked for 45 minutes to try and help me.They didn’t give up. CPR works.” CALM IN A CRISIS Although Todd’s recollection of the event is somewhat hazy, Paula helped Todd fill in the details later. “It was clear that the situation was dire when we reached the hospital, but the emergency room was so calm,” Paula said. “It wasn’t loud and chaotic like you see it shown on television. Everyone worked professionally as a cohesive team and followed the protocols. We felt very well cared for.They didn’t give up. Even when Todd coded again and the doctor had to tell me, he said it so kindly.They kept working on him, and he made it. And in the midst of it all—whether with a caring touch on my arm or a reassuring smile—they helped me feel that they were all here with me through this.” BLESSED WITH GREAT CARE There weren’t many dry eyes as Todd and his family went around the room and ex- pressed their thanks for the actions that saved his life—from the paramedics that rushed him to Samaritan to the nurses, doctors, respiratory, and imaging staff that all played an integral role in re-starting his heart. “We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful community of people at Samaritan,” Paula said. “Everyone was so committed to caring for him. For him to meet them and see his recovery from their perspective was very rewarding.” “I had the best care—I was so blessed by the care I received,” said Todd. Today, Todd will also tell you that he’s a patient in cardiac rehab and happy to be there. Top: Todd Turner returns to Samaritan to thank the paramedics, fire department, and emergency department team who saved his life. Bottom: Todd’s wife, Paula, hugs emergency department nurse Mike Leedom. “We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful community of people at Samaritan.” —Paula Turner Emergency care