Baltimore Nurse and Former Nurse Save Passenger's Life During In-Flight Emergency

A man's life was saved on a Southwest flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Baltimore, thanks to the swift actions of a nurse and a former nurse.

Emily Raines, an acute care nurse at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), and her boyfriend, Daniel Shifflett, sprang into action when they received an overhead message for assistance during an in-flight emergency on May 1. The passenger had gone into cardiac arrest and was not breathing, turning purple.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Raines and Shifflett immediately began performing CPR on the passenger to restore his vital signs. With a combination of chest compressions and other life-saving measures, they tirelessly worked for 20 minutes until the passenger's condition was stabilized.

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The pilot made an emergency landing in Raleigh, North Carolina, allowing the passenger to receive further medical attention and care. Raines credits part of her ability to respond effectively to the training through GBMC's Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) program. This program provides quarterly training sessions to ensure mastery of high-quality CPR skills.

GBMC, the first hospital in Maryland to receive the title of a Resuscitation Quality Improvement Lighthouse Organization in 2021, is recognized for its consistent use and adoption of this innovative CPR training program. The program has equipped nurses like Raines with the necessary skills to handle critical situations.

Thanks to the quick actions of Raines and Shifflett, the passenger is now doing well and recovering at home. Their expertise and ability to perform CPR under pressure played a vital role in preventing a potential tragedy. This incident serves as a testament to the importance of having trained medical professionals present in emergencies.

Nurses Beyond the Hospital Setting

The heroic actions of nurses like Raines and former nurses like Shifflett highlight their critical role in saving lives beyond the confines of a hospital setting.

In times of crisis, nurses' expertise and ability to remain calm under pressure are invaluable. Their commitment to ongoing training and professional development ensures that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care wherever they may be.

This incident is a reminder of nurses' profound impact on individuals and communities. Their tireless efforts and selfless dedication to the well-being of others truly make a difference in moments when every second counts.

Nursing continues to inspire and demonstrate the true essence of compassion, expertise, and heroism.

This article was originally reported by Wmar2news Baltimore.

Edited Jun 23, 2023 by Joe V