Local Hero Recognized for Lifesaving Actions

By Daniel Ackerman, Acting PAO
This week, Gail Lites, Health Education Specialist from the Resuscitation Education and Innovation (REdI) Program Office, visited the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center to honor a local hero, Carrie Kiersnowski, RN.
Carrie demonstrated extraordinary courage and skill last December, saving the lives of a pregnant woman and her baby during a church Christmas show.
The incident took place while the pregnant woman was directing a children's Christmas play at a local church. She suddenly collapsed, Carrie who was present at the event, quickly assessed the situation and began performing lifesaving CPR. Within minutes, the woman took a big gasp of air relieving her rescuers and was subsequently rushed to the hospital. The family was initially told that the baby might not survive.
Thanks to Carrie's prompt intervention, an emergency C-section was performed at the hospital, and after several tense days, both mother and baby were healthy and safe.
In recognition of her lifesaving actions, the REdI Program Office awarded Carrie the distinguished "Bystander Turned Hero" coin, numbered 32, to commemorate her heroism. This award symbolizes the significance of being prepared to make a difference in critical situations.
Stories like Carrie's serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that CPR training can have. By taking a CPR course, individuals can be equipped to change potentially devastating outcomes into celebrated events, with no greater reward than saving a life.
Carrie's inspiring actions underscore the importance of quick thinking and preparedness, and her recognition is well deserved. We encourage everyone to consider CPR training—your readiness could make a life-saving difference.
