Most of us eagerly anticipate family gatherings and holidays, never imagining that the joy of such happy moments may be taken away in an instant. However, Amy Steelman and her two-year-old daughter Hannah almost experienced that last August in Norman at a celebration for Amy's grandmother.
All of the youngsters swiftly left Amy and Hannah's line of sight and hearing as they were eager to reunite with their family.
Amy remarked, remembering the above-ground pool in the backyard of her grandmother, "I felt a sinking feeling when I couldn't find her." When she rushed outside, Hannah and a cousin were submerged face-down in the water.
Amy initially attempted to give a few breaths to her, but they weren't successful. Compressions were recommended by her relative.
Amy began applying the compressions. Hannah started coughing and throwing up after just one round. She had a distant look in her eyes when she was sobbing. It was quite frightful.
Amy participated in a nursing alternative program during her senior year of high school, where she also learned CPR. Amy knew she only needed to save her daughter. She claimed that she felt she had to be strong and maintain her composure at all costs.
Most healthcare workers and first responders undergo BLS training and certification.
They wouldn't allow Amy to ride in the back with Hannah when they put them in the ambulance. She claimed that she could hear her sobbing from the front and that her voice was audible. It was quite difficult for Amy because Hannah was crying for her. She simply kept attempting to speak to her in order for her to hear her.
She later forgot what had transpired. Amy was devastated by Hannah's heartbreaking statement that she went swimming and then went "night, night."
Hannah is doing fantastic now! She recently completed a Hands-Only CPR course with the help of Amy, the leader of her Girl Scout troop, and some Tulsa-based CPR instructors. It was quite emotional. Amy wept as the instructor began the training, remembering how CPR had saved her life on that fateful day years earlier. She will now have the opportunity to save someone else's life.
Amy now tells everyone she knows—parents, grandparents, and babysitters—that everyone needs to know CPR. She gives thanks to God that she knew CPR because, without Hands-Only CPR, she wouldn't have Hannah.