Nurses Save Woman Who Collapsed At Andrew Graduation

TINLEY PARK, IL — Two nurses sprung into action at Victor J. Andrew High School's graduation ceremony to save a woman's life. Both nurses were recognized at the Tinley Park Village Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday night.

Tinley Park resident Naela Yasin, an emergency nurse in charge, and Orland Park resident Mary Kasper, a wound care nurse — both working at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in Palos Heights — say an attendee at the May 22 graduation stood up in the middle of the ceremony, her knees buckled, and she was unable to breathe. Like any other nurse, Kasper said she took action without hesitation.

"I stood up and suddenly 1,000 eyes were on me," Kasper said. "In that moment, I blocked everything else out because that's what we'd do if we were in a hospital."

Both Kasper and Yasin tended to the woman, who had become unresponsive and unconscious. The ceremony stopped, and an ambulance was called. The two nurses performed CPR. Yasin said it all happened so quickly.

"I just remember telling [Kasper] when you're tired, we'll switch," Yasin said. "We were counting out loud, '30 and two,' and everyone was watching. But we were just there, our actions happened automatically once we knew someone was in danger."

After the woman regained consciousness, an ambulance took her to the hospital, where she was later listed in stable condition.

At the Tuesday board meeting, officials recognized the women for their heroic efforts, calling it a demonstration of excellence and professionalism in a time of need. Trustee Colleen Sullivan said she was in attendance at the time of the incident.

"I was just within a few feet of you, and it was a very scary situation," Sullivan told Yasin and Kasper. "It was a great outcome and nice to see her responsive in the end, so thank you both very much."

Both nurses said that this situation is an example of why more people should learn CPR.

"It's just a benefit," Kasper said. "No matter what profession, you're taught the same class. Whether it's an average individual or someone in the medical field, you're taught CPR the exact same way."

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