Cassie Kocher
July 2018
Cassie
Kocher
,
RN
Emergency Department
Carle Foundation Hospital
Urbana
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

One morning, my husband, D, a healthy 53-year-old, began to suffer symptoms of a heart attack. Upon arriving at the ER, we were escorted to a room where Nurse Cassie Kocher immediately began to evaluate him. All vitals were in perfect range as well as the EKG. However, Cassie felt there was something more severe happening. She indicated to us that she was going to prep D for a heart attack. Cassie was proactive and efficient while remaining calm for D and our family. Cassie literally ran for doctor assistance, and within 10 minutes D suffered a Widow Makers heart attack. D flat lined 3 times. Between Cassie and a team of approximately 15 staff members rapidly devoting effort to save D, he responded with a pulse. Within 10 minutes, D was in the care of a doctor who placed a stent in the main artery of his heart which was 99% blocked.
There were several who assisted D that morning, however, we truly believe Cassie was our guardian angel. Our family is beyond grateful for her remarkable skills while remaining compassionate to D and our family.
Later in the afternoon while in ICU, the ER doctor stopped in to check on our family. He stated, "Cassie Kocher saved D's life".
We are truly thankful to Cassie.