Jessica Bliven, MSN, RN, instructor and Simulation Center coordinator, Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences, received a Who’s Your Angel award at a presentation by the Blessing Foundation of a certificate and angel wing pin on May 18, as written by Mike McCarter, EMS System Coordinator, Blessing Hospital.
The nomination stated in part, “In late April, 2021, Jessica Bliven, had recently moved into a new home and was working in her garage when she heard a loud scream. Jessica's new home backed up directly to a lake, as did the other homes in the neighborhood. She rushed to the source of the scream and found neighbors pulling the limp body of a small child from the lake. Suspecting a cardiac arrest Jessica took immediate action. She performed CPR and while doing so directed one bystander to call 911 to report the emergency. Jessica also directed another bystander to the homes of two additional nurses living in the immediate area in an effort to gain additional medical help before an ambulance could arrive.
Before any additional medical staff arrived Jessica was able to achieve a return of spontaneous circulation in the child. She continued to lead the effort and began treating the child for cold exposure by removing the sopping wet clothing and wrapping the child in dry towels. When EMS arrived on scene the child was alive and required only supportive care with standard monitoring during their trip to the hospital. The child returned home in good health within several days of the incident.
Jessica went above and beyond every step of the way. She didn't ignore the scream. She took charge of the scene. She capably directed what resources she had available to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient. Not just a patient - her neighbor’s child. There is no doubt that if not for the courage, training, and skill possessed by Jessica Bliven our community would have suffered the loss of this child.
To learn more about the Who's Your Angel program click here.