In March 2011, I started a part-time job as Marketing Coordinator for Kort Igel, DDS, MS. He’s been voted Best Orthodontist for three years in a row by readers of both Omaha Magazine and The Reader.
Last week, I found out that one of my co-workers, Danielle, is a hero.
Karen Lenz, 54, and her husband, Thomas, were driving on I-29 near Missouri Valley when Karen had a heart attack. Thomas was able to get the car stopped safely.
Danielle was one of three “kind strangers” who stopped to help conduct CPR. They were mentioned in a story by KETV.
When Danielle arrived on the scene, two nurses already were performing CPR. She offered to step in for anyone who was tired, and one of the nurses let her take over.
Danielle continued CPR and then assisted when a Pottawatamie County Sheriff’s deputy arrived with an automatic electronic defibrillator. Danielle left when Crescent Rescue arrived on the scene.
Mrs. Lenz was taken by air ambulance to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She passed away on April 27.
Danielle learned CPR in the Army National Guard, and served for nearly a year in Iraq. Dr. Igel offers CPR training to his staff on a regular basis so they can keep their certifications current. He also has AED’s in each of his offices.
Thanks to Danielle for taking the time to stop and help. And thanks to Dr. Igel for helping his staff keep their CPR skills sharpened, and for having AEDs in the offices.