I Completely Stopped Breathing”: Off-Duty Nurse Saves Woman’s Life After Sudden Cardiac Arrest
What started as a simple lunch outing quickly became a life-or-death emergency for 57-year-old Laurie Ouellette of Burton, P.E.I. Her story, originally reported by CBC News, can be found here:
👉 ‘I completely stopped breathing’: P.E.I. woman thankful to nurse who saved her life
During a family visit to Windsor, Ontario, Laurie, her husband, and her mother stopped at a local Wendy’s for a meal—never imagining the emergency that was moments away.
A Sudden Collapse
While sitting at the table, Laurie’s head suddenly bobbed forward—her chin dropping to her chest before her head struck the table. She wasn’t moving.
“I completely stopped breathing,” Laurie later recalled. “I started turning blue.”
Her husband shouted for someone to call 911 as panic spread through the restaurant. Thankfully, help was already nearby.
A Nurse in the Right Place at the Right Time
Off-duty nurse Amanda Ferrari happened to be inside the restaurant at that exact moment. She had switched shifts that day and rarely visited that location—an extraordinary coincidence that turned out to be lifesaving.
Ferrari immediately stepped in, lowering Laurie to the floor and beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Her quick, confident compressions restored Laurie’s breathing before emergency responders arrived 10–15 minutes later.
Doctors later confirmed Laurie had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest caused by a blocked artery—a condition with a low survival rate when it happens outside of a hospital.
“There’s absolutely no question in our minds that if she hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be talking to you today,” Laurie said.
Laurie spent about a week in the hospital, including time on life support. Since she has no memory of the event, she relies on others’ accounts to understand what happened.
Recognizing a Hero
Laurie’s husband nominated Nurse Ferrari for a Red Cross Lifesaver Award, recognizing her remarkable actions. On December 5, Ferrari received the award during a ceremony.
“We sort of have a very special bond with her, as you might imagine,” Laurie shared.
A Powerful Reminder: CPR Saves Lives
Laurie’s story highlights how suddenly cardiac arrest can occur—and how every second counts. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
Laurie now encourages everyone to learn CPR:
“Take the time to learn CPR so you can help someone if you are ever in a similar situation.”
Be Prepared. Learn CPR and First Aid Today.
Emergencies can happen anywhere—at home, work, school, or even a restaurant. Having the skills to respond can save a life.
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