From Country Tunes to Lifesaving Moves: Ashley Perkins' Heroic Act

On Friday, November 7th, the soothing sounds of old country music filled the air at a local venue in Huntsville, AR, as VHSO social worker Ashley Perkins, MSW, LCSW, took to the stage, captivating the audience with her heartfelt performance. Little did Ashley know that her night would take a dramatic turn from the world of melodies to a lifesaving mission.

In the middle of a classic country tune, Ashley’s performance was abruptly interrupted by frantic shouts and the urgent call for someone to dial 911. Sensing the severity of the situation, she immediately sprang into action.

"It was like something instinctual took over," Ashley recalls. As an inpatient social worker at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), she had been thoroughly trained in CPR. On that pivotal night, her training would prove to be crucial.

Rushing off stage, Ashley found a man lying on the ground, not breathing, and showing no pulse, his face was an alarming shade of purple. Without hesitation, she took charge of the situation. Her familiarity with CPR protocols allowed her to commence chest compressions and direct rescue breaths with unwavering confidence.

"30 compressions, one breath every six seconds," she murmured under her breath, methodically reinforcing the rhythm in her mind.

 While Ashley maintained a steady rhythm of compressions, she directed another person to administer the breaths while another person felt for his pulse. “After delivering CPR for a short time, the man took his first deep breath in what felt like a lifetime, and his pulse and color started to return,” Ashley recalls. Soon after, EMTs arrived at the scene. “Our CPR coordination efforts felt pretty seamless, even under pressure," said Ashley. “We stayed focused on the task until the EMT unit arrived.”

The EMTs swiftly loaded the man into the ambulance and transported him to a nearby airport, where he was life-flighted to the nearest hospital.  Ashley was later told, while in the ambulance on his way to the airport the man regained consciousness. Thanks to Ashley and others her actions not only saved his life but highlighted the critical importance of CPR certification for everyone.

Reflecting on the event the following day, Ashley admitted it was a lot to process. "I never expected myself to jump into action like I did," she confessed. "Being trained and confident in using CPR skills when needed is so important, because someone’s life and well-being is quite literally in your hands.” Ashley also gained a stronger respect for EMTs, Medics, First Responders, Firemen, Nurses, and Medical Providers. “You never think you’ll have to use these skills on a real person when you’re an average Joe. It’s much different from beating up a CPR dummy.”

Ashley credits her preparedness to the comprehensive CPR training she received at VHSO. "Without my training from VHSO, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to step in and help," she admits. 

It’s a powerful reminder of the value that lifesaving skills hold, and how being prepared can make all the difference in moments of crisis. Her story is a testament that everyday people can save lives.  Heroes can emerge where we least expect them—sometimes, even amidst the nostalgic notes of an old country song.

                                                                                          ###