Plaza Student Saves a Life

By Roberto Valle Mojica

It is often said that the classroom prepares students for the real world, and at times there are moments when this expression could not be more fitting. Angela Greene, a medical student at Plaza College, was on her way to school on June 3rd, 2010, when an unexpected turn-of-events occurred that would forever change her life.

While waiting for her bus to arrive, Ms. Greene was abruptly approached by a woman frantically yelling for help. The woman, nearly hysterical at this point, quickly managed to explain that her 14 year-old son had lost consciousness and collapsed at her residence.

While unclear of what to expect next, not to mention now somewhat anxious herself, Ms. Greene followed the woman into her home without hesitation. Upon entering the apartment, Ms. Greene’s gaze was immediately drawn to the teen, lying lifelessly on the floor. “I found her son lying on the floor, not breathing,” said Ms. Greene, who added, “I immediately told her to dial ‘911’ while I administered CPR.”

Scared of what to do next, Ms. Greene managed to maintain her composure as her attempt to save the child’s life began. Angela’s instinct led her to recall lessons taught to her by her professor, Dr. Anderson, and she could clearly hear his voice guiding her through the entire process. “Two breaths, thirty compressions,” she kept hearing, and with this support she did not feel alone.

Ms. Greene moved rapidly, as the boy’s mother had rushed to call 911. Time was moving quickly, and before she knew it, Angela was on her third round of CPR compressions with the young man. Her nerves did not get the best of her. Ms. Greene knew, as she had been instructed in class, that a crucial component to successful resuscitation is calm, collective thinking and action. She then channeled this information through her own composed actions, and finally the child regained consciousness. Just at that moment the ambulance arrived and a grateful mom, with her now breathing child, rushed off to the hospital.

Angela, proud of herself and happy with the success of her rescue attempt, said, “It was within that moment that I knew I had been called to continue my work in becoming a medical assistant.” Filled with a new confidence, Ms. Greene is thankful that her professor, Dr. Anderson, was able to instill her with such valuable lessons. She recognizes how meaningful this day’s events were, and is thankful that she had the opportunity to take her classroom lessons and apply them within a real world context.

“My decision to pursue a career as a medical assistant came at a critical time in my life. I have chosen this field of study because of my desire to help others, coupled with my past experience in clerical, administrative, and customer service. Medical assisting will also prepare me for a career that will provide a stable and secure future for me and my family.”

-Angela Greene
A.A in Medical Assisting