Everyday Heroes

The Heart of the Matter -- Wife Uses CPR to Save Husband

Written by Kristine Ripley

Mr. Cal Dauel thought his tiredness and chest pain was due to his angina acting up, so he took his prescribed medicine. The pain continued. He decided to take a hot shower and try to settle in for a relaxing evening. Cal was sitting in his favorite chair watching television, when his mother heard him emit a strange breathing noise and in a panicked voice screamed, "Cal, are you all right?" Cal's wife, Alta, who was preparing dinner, came running and found Cal with a glazed look in his eyes. She quickly assessed that Cal was not breathing and had no pulse.

Alta had recently received Red Cross CPR training and took action with confidence. She called 911 and told Cal's mother to turn off the kitchen stove.. Cal's mother had summoned her 22-year-old grandson and with his help, Alta positioned Cal on the floor and began CPR. After several cycles, Alta felt a pulse but Cal was still not breathing. Determined not to let his brain go without oxygen and risk brain damage, Alta continued rescue breathing.

The fire squad was first to arrive and they applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock Cal's heart into a normal rhythm. Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards and transported Cal to the hospital where the next morning he underwent heart surgery. Today, Cal is recovering nicely. The whole family is grateful Alta had the skills to save Cal's life. Alta commented, "My son will be in the next Red Cross CPR class."

Alta Dauel has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for her heroic actions. This is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills they learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Course. The President of the United States signs the certificate.

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