Rarely does a trip to the emergency department bring tears of laughter and joyful hugs. But that’s what happened when Keisha Crews, 38, of Chicago, was rushed to West Suburban Medical Center emergency department complaining of stomach pain.
Beatriz Serrano, RN, saw the patient name on the computer and couldn’t believe it. She went immediately to Keisha’s bedside.
“I got goose bumps,” she said. “I honestly got chills.”
Almost one year ago, Beatriz, 31, was part of the team that treated Keisha for cardiac arrest.
“Keisha looks great, like she’s back to her old self,” said Beatriz. “In my four years of working as an ED nurse, I have never seen a patient I have previously treated.”
The two cried and hugged each other.
“I always wanted to meet the person who helped save my life and I recognized Beatriz immediately,” said Keisha, who on June 23, 2018 collapsed in a neighborhood nail salon in full cardiac distress. She was brought to West Suburban Medical Center, the only Chest Pain Center in Oak Park accredited by the American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services.
This visit, on June 26, 2019, Keisha was diagnosed with gall bladder disease and was immediately scheduled for its surgical removal.
“Seeing her is emotional but wonderful,” said Beatriz, hugging her returning patient. “It’s amazing to see her doing so well just one year after her dramatic heart attack.”
Keisha could not stop smiling. “West Suburban saved my life and I trust them completely,” she said.