SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – Holly Sharlow, a public safety telecommunications officer in Sumter County, received a call from Nancy Rader, whose husband, Jim, had collapsed at their home after feeling unwell.
Despite having no prior CPR training, Nancy followed Holly’s instructions to perform CPR on Jim, who was unresponsive and not breathing.
“I had been here about five months when the call came in,” Holly recalled. “She indicated her husband was not awake and not breathing. At that point, I initiated a level response and began CPR instructions right away.”
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Nancy described the panic she felt during the call. “I was hysterical because I had never called 911 before, and Jim had never spent a day in the hospital in his life,” she said. “I was just confused about what was going on.”
Holly guided Nancy through the CPR process, helping her maintain focus during the crisis. “It was amazing,” Holly said. “I felt confident I could help her with the excellent training I’ve had here in Sumter County.”
Emergency responders arrived shortly after, continuing CPR for approximately six minutes before Jim’s heart began to beat again. He was later diagnosed with a blockage in the “Widowmaker” artery, which is known for its high mortality rate.
Jim was in cardiac arrest for 45 minutes, and doctors initially gave him a 2% chance of survival.
“They said if I did survive, it was probably almost a 100% chance that I would come out with brain damage from being without oxygen that long,” Jim recalled.
Against the odds, Jim survived and spent 11 days in a medically induced coma. His recovery was marked by significant challenges, including hallucinations and difficulty with basic motor skills. However, with the support of his family and medical staff, he began to regain his strength.
Nancy expressed gratitude for Holly’s assistance, stating, “She was calm, professional, and told me exactly what to do and how to do it. I couldn’t have done what I did without her.”
The couple’s story highlights the importance of emergency dispatchers and the impact of their training in saving lives. Holly, who has since become a trainer for new dispatchers, emphasized the rewarding nature of her job. “It’s powerful to be there with them in their worst moment,” she said.
Jim’s miraculous recovery has led to a newfound appreciation for life. “I was given a second chance,” he said. “Miracles do happen, and I owe my life to the quick actions of my wife and the guidance of Holly.”
The Raders’ experience serves as a reminder of the vital role that 911 operators play in emergency situations and the importance of remaining calm and focused during a crisis.
