Robin's Story: Life-Saving Care and Support in a Dire Time of Need

Robin’s Story of Life-Saving Care and Support in a Dire Time of Need

When Gena and Jeff Freeman arrived at Robin's home, they discovered her experiencing a medical emergency. Robin, a survivor of congestive heart failure, had developed severe cellulitis that caused her arm to swell at eight times its normal size. Pressing her emergency alert button worked to no avail, being met with a busy signal and no answer both times. Robin directed them to leave, but Gena and Jeff were adamant that they would not leave until paramedics arrived. With assistance from 911 operators, the couple gave her care and waited for paramedics to arrive. Thanks to the quick action of the Freemans, Robin was saved from chronic heart failure. This story shows the care and attention Meals on Wheels volunteers provide to seniors daily.

Providing Life-Saving Care During a Medical Emergency

On a Monday morning, Meals on Wheels client Robin’s breathing had become labored. A survivor of congestive heart failure, Robin had also developed severe cellulitis in her right arm over the prior few days, which made that arm swell to about eight times its normal size.

Local volunteers Gena and Jeff Freeman arrived at her home around 11:40 a.m. to find their friend disoriented and struggling to breathe.

They first tried the emergency alert button Robin wore around her neck. It rang in vain and then went to a busy signal. They pressed the button again. Still, no answer.

Robin kept telling the couple she was fine and begging them to leave. She didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. But Gena and Jeff could tell the senior needed immediate medical attention and quickly decided to call 911.

“Robin,” Gena said, “we’re not leaving you until the first responders arrive.”

The couple also followed the 911 dispatcher’s advice and gave Robin four aspirin, which can save lives during cardiac emergencies.

When the paramedics got there, they immediately inserted an IV to get her fluids moving. After she was rushed to the hospital, a terrifying 24 pounds of fluid were removed from Robin’s arm, and she was saved from chronic heart failure.