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One year, before joining the Postal Service...I spent a few months working for INTEL, as a security guard. In order to get this job, I had to pass a CPR course. I passed & was hired, right away. I worked from 6am to 230pm. I would catch the bus, to & from work.
One year, before joining the Postal Service...I spent a few months working for INTEL, as a security guard. In order to get this job, I had to pass a CPR course. I passed & was hired, right away. I worked from 6am to 230pm. I would catch the bus, to & from work.
This was back, in 1986. I bring this up, because a year later....I would be accepted into the Postal Service and my training in CPR, would come into play. This even took place around 1993....if memory serves me, correctly.
It was just another day at work. Nothing special. We were all busy, doing what we do....when out of the blue....I heard my name yelled out! You see, my co workers knew that I was CPR, certified....and I could hear multiple people, yelling out....."ALBERT!!"
Then a co worker ran up to me, and in an excited voice, told me that someone had collapsed on the workroom floor. I rushed over to where the problem was, and saw a new hire, on the ground. She was not breathing. So, I quickly went into action and began CPR.
Meanwhile, 911 had been called. And I was frantic! Would my training pay off, or would I freeze? I did not freeze, all of my instincts kicked in and I began CPR. Another co worker....thank GOD....had knowledge of CPR, and we took turns. We got her breathing again!
But, she had already been out, for quite a while & when the paramedics did arrive, they took over and put her on a breathing machine of some sort. She looked so terrible. It was such a sad thing to see. But, I along...with the other co worker, did what we were trained to do.
After the incident.....we all went back to work. We had to get the mail out. The day passed.....and it came time to go home. I could not sleep that night, as I kept wondering how my co worker was doing. I am sorry to say, that I do not remember her name.....
....I realize how terrible that must sound, but it was years ago...and she was a new hire. Weeks later, I found out that she had a very bad stroke, and that she had a difficult road to recovery. And this news hit me hard.
It was a Saturday night, and I just could not get her out of my head. So, I went out....and hit a few bars. To make a long story short....I got drunk. Dont ask me why. Maybe I wanted to forget. I flagged a taxi down, and had the driver take me to the hospital.....
....where she was. It was way after visiting hours, and I was a mess. I had been drinking and it was obvious to the nurses at the station. I may have been crying....because I was pleading for them, to let me in and see her. And by the grace of God, they did.
I saw her, on the bed. She had tubes and all kinds of devices all over her. I walked over to her, and took her hand...and I do remember that I started to bawl like a baby....telling her how sorry I was....and I wish I could have done a better job. I was really losing it.
But, I calmed down and kept quiet for a while. I still continued to hold her hand. Then, a nurse tapped me on the shoulder and said it was time for me to leave. I do remember it was after 3am. I remember glancing at the clock. I went into the lobby and called a cab.
A few weeks later. An announcement came over the intercom, at work....asking for everyone to gather around. The San Jose Postmaster was there.....and he talked about the incident. He asked my co worker and I to come forward, as he handed us each an award. And award? Really?
I accepted it, along with the applause. But, really did not feel good about getting this award. So, after work...I put the award in an inter office envelop, with a handwritten note, explaining that I cannot accept this award. I sent it back to the Postmaster....
I never did hear back from him. I have since learned, that the woman....was making a slow recovery and that the paramedics said that our actions, helped save her life.
That was enough of a reward for me.
That was enough of a reward for me.
