Training In The Real World: Student Saves Stranger’s Life Thanks To Nursing Lessons

 BY ZACH WADLEY ’14

 5 MIN. READ

Briana Conners ’23 recently graduated from Anderson University with her nursing degree, and when she walked into her first day at her new full-time job, she had real life experience that few her age possess.

She saved someone’s life.

Conners and her classmates completed the rigorous nursing program at AU, and throughout their time were asked to complete periodic Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) training. The RQI program is the performance improvement program from the American Health Association that delivers quarterly training to support mastery of high-quality CPR skills. “With each quarterly assignment, I became more confident in giving CPR,” said Conners. “I would have never imagined using these skills in a public setting, but am grateful for the training that was offered.”

In March, Conners was in the Indianapolis International Airport preparing for a flight to Florida when she heard someone yelling, “Does anyone know CPR?!” Conners rushed over to find a woman on the ground. She checked for the woman’s pulse and realized she did not have one. A retired nurse also arrived on the scene and the pair began performing CPR. Conners delivered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and counted compressions. She was able to obtain an AED, place the pads, and by the third shock the pair were able to revive the woman. At that point, paramedics arrived and were able to deliver further care.

“Prior to this experience, I had never performed CPR on a real person,” said Conners. “However, thanks to the frequent opportunities and extensive training I received at AU, I approached the situation with confidence.” Because of her training and quick thinking in the moment, a life was saved.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.