Read Full Article | View Source
A couple in The Villages thanked a dispatcher for her life-saving assistance.
Jim and Nancy Rader of the Village of DeSoto recently visited the Sumter County Emergency Communications Center to meet Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Holly Sharlow, the voice on the other end of the 911 call that helped Nancy save her husband’s life.
On Oct. 28, 2023, Nancy Rader faced a terrifying moment when her husband, Jim, suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. In a state of panic, she dialed 911, where Sharlow answered and immediately provided calm, step-by-step instructions on how to perform CPR. With Sharlow’s guidance, Nancy was able to keep chest compressions going for approximately six minutes, buying critical time until The Villages Public Safety Department arrived to take over advanced life-saving care.
“It was an honor to meet Jim and Nancy in person after such a life-changing event,” said Sharlow. “To know that the guidance I provided helped save a life is incredibly humbling. We don’t always get to hear the outcome of our calls, so meeting them and seeing Jim healthy was truly special. It’s why we do what we do.”
Nancy Rader said she will never forget the voice that guided her through one of the scariest moments of her life.
“I will forever be grateful for Holly’s guidance,” she said. “She walked me through every step and gave me the hope I needed to keep going until help arrived.”
