Scripps Memorial Hospital’s nurse practitioner’s CPR response saves a 62-year-old woman after a cardiac arrest at a San Diego 10K race.
SAN DIEGO — A 62-year-old woman is alive today after suffering sudden cardiac arrest at the finish line of a 10K race, thanks to the swift action of a nurse practitioner who happened to be nearby.
Kim Stevens collapsed moments after completing the Aloha Run last month in San Diego. Christie Morcos, a cardiology nurse practitioner at Scripps Memorial Hospital, was also participating in the race and noticed Stevens in distress.
“She just looked to me like something was not right,” said Morcos.
Morcos immediately began administering CPR and used a defibrillator to revive Stevens. “We shocked her and she came back,” said Morcos.
Stevens was then rushed to Scripps Memorial Hospital, where Morcos coincidentally works. Initially unaware that Morcos had saved her life, Stevens later expressed her gratitude.
“That is God’s hand in all of this. That is absolutely amazing. I cannot believe this,” said Stevens.
Morcos’ husband, Dr. Peter Morcos, a cardiologist at Scripps, also assisted in saving Stevens’ life at the finish line of the race. Stevens has now chosen Dr. Morcos as her cardiologist for ongoing care.
“It’s an amazing thing. I am glad we were there. Usually, our skills are not that useful when we are out and about, but duty calls, and so we are grateful to be the right people to be next to you when that happened,” said Dr. Morcos.
Despite the harrowing experience, Stevens is already planning her next race—a 5K this time—and hopes to run alongside Christie.
“I think from now on it’s just going to be the 5K,” said Stevens.
Stevens had no prior history of heart problems and is expected to make a full recovery.