Maureen Peters receives her congratulatory certificate from Scott Goyer, President & CEO, YMCA of the Suncoast
Maureen (Mo) Peters may not be comfortable with all the attention she’s been getting, but it’s well-deserved. The John Geigle YMCA Group Exercise Instructor & Personal Trainer saved a member’s life last December. A CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor, Maureen detected the lady (who wishes to remain anonymous) in cardiac arrest in the women’s locker room and immediately leaped to action.
“I noticed her sitting by the shower area. My immediate reaction was that something didn’t seem quite right. When I looked again, she was slumped on the ground and not moving. I immediately went over to assess the woman, she was gasping. When I first tried to ask her any questions, she did make some noise but was unable to speak. Moments later her respiration ceased. There was no one else in the locker room and I did not want to leave her side, so I began yelling for help,” recalls Maureen.
With 911 called, and additional staff helping her, Maureen checked for her pulse, and finding none began chest compressions immediately.
“I did chest compressions until the East Lake Fire Rescue showed up and took over. After more chest compressions and some resuscitation medication, the patient’s pulse returned,” adds Maureen.
Lisa Warren, Executive Director, John Geigle YMCA is grateful to Maureen.
“She is a dedicated and quick-thinking member of our staff. Her swift and decisive actions were pivotal in ensuring the members’ survival, and we are immensely grateful for her commitment to the well-being of our community. Additionally, the seamless coordination and prompt response from the entire staff team significantly impacted the positive outcome. Our close connection with the East Lake Fire Department further underscored the importance of community partnerships, as their rapid response further contributed to the successful resolution of the emergency.”
Scott Goyer, President & CEO, YMCA of the Suncoast echoed similar sentiments.
"I am so thankful that Maureen's training prepared her for this incident. I truly believe God placed her there at that specific time. We are proud that our staff followed the training procedures and our member has recovered successfully."
The member’s husband was deeply moved by Maureen and the team’s efforts. He dropped off a thank you card for Maureen that read "You were amazing and I can't thank you enough." And even got certified in CPR shortly after the incident. The patient also wrote a thank you card for the YMCA and sent flowers.
Maureen was also honored by the YMCA Board. She was named the John Geigle Employee of the Month and received a Certificate of Commendation from the East Lake Fire Rescue.
“I am grateful for all of this, but not comfortable with the attention I have gotten from the event. I think it was just a matter of my being the person in the locker room at that moment, if someone else had witnessed the event they would have done the same as I.”
“However, now that it’s all said and done, I think I have a great platform to promote individuals to become CPR certified. I am also beyond thrilled that the patient is alive and well. I hope her story inspires others to get trained in CPR,” adds Maureen.
Thank you, again, Maureen! We appreciate you.
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Published February 26, 2024.