When Samford University’s School of Health Professions students say they apply what they learn in their program, they have the receipts to back it up.
Recently, third-year students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program were hosting a balance and falls screening clinic at a local senior independent-living apartment complex. That’s when the unexpected happened—an elderly man dropped to the floor.
“I heard students gasp and say that someone fell,” said Sarah Ross, associate professor of physical therapy, recounting the scene. “They darted over to his side. At first, he seemed to be OK, but I encouraged the students to keep him on the ground and look after him. I heard a strange sound, and one student noticed his breathing was off.”
As the residential staff called for paramedics, the man stopped breathing. Students checked for a pulse but couldn’t find one. Ross informed them it was time to start compressions.
Ross beamed over her students springing into action. “I was so proud of how they didn’t hesitate. I know that could have been scary, but their actions were exactly what they should have been. This cohort was just recertified in CPR, so one student had a barrier mask, and we got ready to give rescue breathing. One was compressing, one was rescue breathing. By the time we started the fourth cycle of compressions, it appeared he was reviving.”
The paramedics arrived within minutes and took the man to the hospital. The students gathered to process the fact that they had just saved someone’s life.
This was a difficult event to debrief because CPR can be traumatizing for both the provider and the recipient. Ribs can crack, and that’s often an indication it is being done correctly. The students led a prayer time while Ross checked on them throughout the evening and the rest of the week.
The man’s daughter and the residential staff expressed their gratitude for the students’ act of heroism. The facility’s owners also thanked them and expressed the God-ordained timing of it all.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program provides experiential learning opportunities like these screenings as part of its rigorous curriculum. These real-world classrooms afford students a chance to practice teamwork and quick decision-making in the field.
