PA Turnpike Workers & Nurse Save Driver Who Stopped Breathing | ABC News
A quick response from a group of individuals prevented a potential tragedy on the Pennsylvania Turnpike last December. A driver experienced a medical emergency, and their life was saved thanks to the actions of two Turnpike workers and a passing nurse.
Roadside Crisis Averted
Doug Sarver and John Gallagher, equipment operators with the Pennsylvania Turnpike, were concluding their shift when they observed a driver in distress while travelling west towards Downingtown. Recognizing something was wrong, they immediately stopped to offer assistance.
Gallagher recounted that the driver was able to provide only brief responses, leading him to suspect a stroke. The pair promptly contacted dispatch for help. While waiting for emergency services, Sarver supported the driver’s head to maintain an open airway.
Adding to the critical response, Cindy Zimmerman, a nurse at Temple’s Chestnut Hill Hospital, happened to be driving by and stopped to help. Upon assessing the driver, Zimmerman determined they were experiencing agonal breathing – labored, ineffective attempts to breathe.
Zimmerman found no pulse and, alongside Sarver and Gallagher, initiated CPR until paramedics arrived and transported the driver to a hospital. The driver ultimately survived the incident.
The Turnpike employees described the successful rescue as “making my Christmas,” emphasizing the profound impact of their actions. They humbly stated, “No heroes, just at the right place, at the right time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Turnpike workers to stop?
Doug Sarver and John Gallagher observed a driver in distress and recognized that assistance was needed. They stopped to offer help while ending their shift.
What was the nurse’s assessment of the driver’s condition?
Cindy Zimmerman, a nurse at Temple’s Chestnut Hill Hospital, determined the driver was experiencing agonal breathing and had no pulse.
What happened after CPR was initiated?
Paramedics arrived on the scene and transported the driver to a hospital, where they ultimately survived.
What does it mean to be prepared to help in an emergency situation like this one?