I only speak Greek

Photo by my niece Annie, taken last night.

Above: my cousin Naomi and me. Last night, Naomi and her husband Rick saved the life of our Uncle John. I went with my sister and her family to a Christmas party hosted by Naomi and Rick. It was fun to catch up with everybody, including my Uncle John; he and I have been penpals for a number of years.

Partway through the party, Naomi noticed that something was wrong with Uncle John. It looked to me at first as if he was just laughing very hard, his head down on the table. Naomi (who is a nurse), however, suspected something more serious. Things happened very quickly after that.

They carefully moved Uncle John to the floor and elevated his feet. At some point, my uncle's heart stopped. Naomi, who was sitting by Uncle John's head, had made sure his airway was clear, and Rick (who is a firefighter) began CPR. Meanwhile, my Aunt Barbara (a nurse) had called 911 and was telling the operator about what was happening.

Uncle John's heart had started beating again by the time the paramedics arrived. They gave him oxygen and hooked him up to an IV. One of the first questions was to ask his family if language was going to be an issue; a logical question since they needed to make sure he understood English.

Even as he faded in and out of consciousness, my uncle retained his sense of humor. Overhearing their question and speaking through the oxygen mask, Uncle John said weakly, "I only speak Greek."

Shortly after, they put him on a stretcher and took him outside to the waiting ambulance. It seemed surreal, looking out the window and seeing those flashing red lights; how could this be happening?

And yet in some ways, we were very lucky. This happened at a party with two nurses and a fire fighter. Naomi and Rick worked as a team, doing CPR on Uncle John; they were efficient and calm throughout. Afterward, I couldn't help but wonder what I would have done. Go into hysterics or stand helplessly by, frozen with panic? I hope I never have to find out.

I took one CPR course, but it was many years ago. Now I'm thinking it's time to take a refresher. I also did some searching online for CPR information. Here's one useful link I found;

Learn CPR: Includes info about CPR for adults, children and infants, with video demonstrations. There is also information about how to handle choking events.

Anyway, I would very much appreciate it if you would please think healing vibes at my Uncle John.

Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone.





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