Each year, more than 350,000 Americans suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. But unlike 90 percent of people similarly afflicted, one special customer lived to tell the tale — thanks to the forward-thinking and training of associates at her store.

Last October, associates at #555, Sarasota, Florida, became local heroes after a customer collapsed while shopping on aisle 12. Customer Service Staff Dale Dune responded to a customer’s signal, thinking he was going to provide assistance with an item. However, when he arrived, a woman was unconscious on the floor. As first on the scene, he tried to get a pulse, but the customer was unresponsive.

A second customer alerted the pharmacy, and Pharmacy Technician Sarah Fountain sprang into action to perform CPR as Grocery Manager Jeffrey Thistle was also called to provide assistance.

“I thought I was responding to a slip and fall, but when I saw the customer, I just knew I had to get to the defibrillator,” said Jeffrey.

Thanks to his quick thinking and the use of the store’s automated external defibrillator (AED), the customer showed signs of life and was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she remained stable. Today, the customer is doing well, and the three associates were reunited with her at the hospital two weeks after the incident.

“We are so grateful for the outcome and the ability to provide our customers with a safe place to shop. I’m confident in our team’s ability to provide first aid response through the certified training provided for AED and CPR,” said Store Manager Tim Haggard.

The AED, which had only been in the store for a short time, is a computerized medical device that recognizes heart rhythms and advises the rescuer if and when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take. With the training associates received, they were able to save a life.

“It’s a really great feeling that we all came together as one,” said Dale.

“I still keep in touch with the customer through Facebook,” added Sarah, who continues to serve her at the store by filling her medication.

Each associate was presented with a gold coin during the store’s weekly staff meeting for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Source: American Heart Association

The gold coin is presented to associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. Receiving a gold coin means you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond. Associates can become eligible for the gold coin by receiving customer praise through the customer care department, which reviews each case based on established criteria and guidelines.

Take a moment to read about other gold coin winners in Publix News.