Kristin Miller Recognized - Quick Action Saves Heart Attack Victim

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The following article by Kristen Smith appeared in the 10/22/08 issue of the Wave: OCEAN VIEW -- Officer Kristen Miller will be honored by Police Chief Ken McLaughlin and the Town Council after saving the life of a retired deputy police chief who resides in Bear Trap. "You come to work everyday thinking you're going to save someone's life, or at least I do," Miller said. "I'm the old-school type of officer ... I feel like everyday I'm supposed to be out here saving people." After receiving the call for assistance Friday, Oct. 3, Miller reported to the scene and revived the man with CPR and other life-saving measures. While Miller has received 11 similar calls over the course of her career, this was the first time she was able to resuscitate the victim. According to McLaughlin, the benefits of having a trained and properly equipped police officer were apparent in this situation. Much of the success of Miller's efforts, he said, was a result of the rapid deployment of the defibrillator. "The calm and effective manner in which (she) administered first aid is commendable," he said. Miller stood vigil outside the victim's hospital room for two hours, she estimates. Even after leaving the hospital, she continued to track his progress. "There's such a slim chance of getting someone back after they reach cardiac arrest," she said. "But when you do, you're like, 'Hey, this does work'. Miller said that was the first time she felt physically "beat" while resuscitating someone. "Timing saved this man's life," she said. McLaughlin is scheduled to present Miller with a Lifesaving Commendation at the next Ocean View town meeting. "We're close-knit family," she said. "It feels good to help one of your own."