The quick thinking of a Barnesville woman helped save the life of a heart attack victim last week.
Dawn Bush, a bartender at the VFW Post 2792 in Barnesville, helped save the life of Paul McCammon.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, Dawn was working behind the bar when she heard Paul fall to the floor. Paul's wife, Mary told her to call 9-1-1. She advised them that a man had passed out and was not breathing. She did not know at the time that Paul had a coronary thrombosis (heart attack). After giving them the pertinent information, Dawn returned to Paul and began administering Cardiac Pulminary Resuscitation.
Dawn, who was also assisted by Mickey Stavely, said the emergency squad responded within minutes. In the meantime, she gave Paul chest compressions and turned him over to clear his blocked passageway.
Dawn said she had not done CPR since taking a class once in 1990. She said the entire episode happened quickly.
"It was quite an experience. My adrenaline was pumping," she said.
Dawn said it was not until later that she really reacted to the situation.
"I broke down at the hospital the next day," Dawn said.
She said while they were operating on Paul to insert a stent, he had not regained consciousness and she feared for the outcome of her efforts. Her fears were alleviated when Paul regained consciousness.
When Paul was released from the hospital on Wednesday, he called and thanked her. He visited Dawn at the bar that night and told her that her actions in the first two minutes had been crucial to his survival.
Relieved that he was well, Dawn said she told Paul (and his wife), "if he had wanted to kiss her, he didn't have to have a heart attack."
This was not the first time that Dawn's quick thinking has helped others in need. While living in Bowling Green, Ohio, Dawn saved the life of a neighbor when she transported him to the hospital. She did not know he was also having a heart attack. Dawn said the couple named their daughter after her. She also helped a burn victim while working at a factory and a boy who was burned by boiling water at a carnival.
Dawn moved from the Belleview, Ohio area over two years ago. Her husband, John, is currently on dialysis and has been waiting for a kidney transplant for two years. He has a genetic disorder called Alport syndrome that prevent his kidney from working properly. His sister also suffers from the condition. Because it is a pre-existing condition, the couple is struggling with medical bills.
Dawn said she feels there is a need for a CPR class in the community. She said many people she has spoken to have expressed an interest.
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