Pretty scary to be a first responder and to take control of an emergency situation. Economics teacher just fell over. Pretty sure it was a heart attack, the PE office was yelling "I Need Help! 911!" And I thought it was a joke until I saw the man convulsing on the ground. So I ran down and did CPR until paramedics arrived.
Dad
Amazing Jake
Jake
He was pretty healthy too. Ran everyday.
Megan
Are you serious?? That's way high..!! Wow jake, that's craZy...! Glad you were there to help
Jake
When I arrived he had no pulse. I heard he left with a pulse so I'm glad he is sustaining.
Sara
Wow Jake
Steve Cook
That's really wild Jake, way to go for jumping in there! I'm actually renewing BLS in about 3 hours hah, I'll be thinking of you
McKay
Hey what did you do today??? Saved a life!
This is Jake (not Megan), I'm really unable to verbalized the experiences I have had this past week but i will try. I warn I will go into some detail on the matter.
At first, it is such a simple thought to respond to an emergency call for help. As simple as standing up and running to aide. Emotion set in as I approach the unconscious, not breathing man laying on the ground. I ensured someone was on the phone with 911 and then began care for the individual.
I didn't know the man. I was sure of what to do though. Check for vital signs.. And so I did. I watched his chest, put my ear near his mouth and nose and confirmed he was not breathing. I then checked his pulse at his neck, touching his somewhat pasty skin (all of this within a matter of seconds). He had no pulse. I new right then that I needed to start CPR immediately.
I moved his body to a more safe position and then began chest compressions. I knew I needed to push hard. The first couple compressions were tight. But after a couple loosening compressions (ligaments and ribs breaking--which i was prepared for) I was able to compress firmly and assuredly.
As I was near the end of the first cycle, another student (who I met the day before in one of my classes) knelt on the other side of the body and was ready to help. I helped him position his head and gave him some brief instructions and he totally did mouth to mouth resuscitation.
We continued for another 3-4 cycles before a professor rushed to our sides with a defibrillator. I observed everyone around me helping, and could see they were high anxiety and nervous. The professor was repeatedly hitting the button for the defibrillator to work, which caused it to cease for a little bit. At that time the campus police showed up and helped with the defibrillator. The defibrillator told us step by step what to do, "Checking patient for vitals." "Please clear patient." "Initiating shock". After the first shock, there was still no pulse. So we continued CPR and at that time an off duty EMT showed up (Jared, in the pic with meg and I at the hospital) and took over CPR. I thought he was part of the EMT crew and I was relieved at that time.
When Jared took over, he broke the sternum during compressions. The EMT's arrived and used another defibrillator and with some more CPR were able to get his heart to start again.
I left the situation in shock. Not really believing it was real. And went on to class. I obviously was shaken up by this experience. I couldn't sleep this past week. I was really concerned about a lot of things and couldn't get the image of his face out of my head. His eyes and mouth wide open with no sign of life. Perhaps a small glimpse of PTSD.
I have been struggling all week. I spoke briefly to Sara about the difficulty I had had, and that all changed today in the hospital.
When I walked in the room, I saw Joe asleep on the bed. I knocked on the door and began to introduce myself and Megan.. During that brief introduction, Susan (Joe's wife) walked calmly to me and put her arms around me. She hugged me for a while just sobbing. Each child and spouse of the children then proceeded to hug and thank me. At that time I turned and looked at Joe and he had woken up and put his glasses on. I could tell he didn't know what to say so he took my hand and through years said, "I can't ever repay you. I guess I owe you my life."
It was a feeling I've never felt before in my life. They were so appreciative and so loving. Going on and on about how grateful they were that their father was still alive. The two boys (close to my age) were crying as well and were saying things like, "I am forever indebted to you." It was a very soothing moment for their family to meet me and for me to see and meet them.
I needed to see Joe alive. I needed to see 6 of his 7 children at his bedside to know that he had people in his life. I knew nothing of him while I was kneeling by his side earlier that week. And to see him and his family interacting laughing, and enjoying their moments as a family.. My heart was rekindled to the joy of family. The only importance on this earth.
It is true I sang for them. For a moment I felt that the song I wrote for my family was really written for their family as well. It so perfectly matched the day and the situation. I was grateful that they appeased the thought of me playing the guitar, so I figured... Why not. I'm sure they weren't expecting it to be much, and so (trying to say this so I don't sound prideful) the simplisity of the song and the beauty of the melody just went straight to the heart. I heard Joe losing it throughout the song that I couldn't really look at the family while I sang. I struggled through tears to finish the song.
There was a wonderful feeling there. Megan says she felt like she knew them some how. I felt the same way.
I wish I could have recorded the visit to have in my visual memory for forever. It was one of the truest forms of peace I've ever felt and I was grateful my eternal companion was there, by my side, to experience it with me.
I hope you have felt somewhat of how my week has gone. I hope it has been a little inspiring to you as I really do not deserve these blessed feelings. It has solidified my love for my wife and daughter, but more so has helped me understand that existence on this earth seems to be the sole purpose to create a family and share this earth life with mom and dad, grandpa and grandma, siblings, and cousins. Building an eternal family is the truest form of joy we can find and the greatest mastery we can accomplish.
I love you all. I hope you know of that love.
Jake
Jamie Cook
Really thanks jake. What is the song? I never knew you wrote a song for the family... I just want to listen to it. Very touched by your experience and words
Steve Cook
Jake, that was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Love that song too. What a brave thing to jump into that situation, and what a blessing to be able to meet his family after!
Sara Lake
So glad you took the time to share. Feels like a heavenly moment
We love you too.
Jamie Cook
Really thanks jake. What is the song? I never knew you wrote a song for the family... I just want to listen to it. Very touched by your experience and words
Spencer Lake
Very moving
Now I too want to hear the song
Thanks for sharing
Megan Probert
The song was originally written in thought of individual siblings and how often times the only time we communicate is sporadic and many months a part/over the phone. That was where jake got the influence to write the song, the love he has for his siblings and parents :) the baker family is spread out across the country as well and communicate a lot like we do, so it hit home to them as well. (Jake I telling me what to say for the most part haha) :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDBJ2nnW62U&feature=youtu.be
this is the song. It does not have the ending unfortunately. My favorite part :)
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