Back To Life - Doctor's Report

Bozeman, Montana

On Sunday, September 5th, 1999, during worship service the gentleman in front of me became pale and appeared to be ill. Even though he complained of weakness, air hunger and the need to sit down, he remained in the service for about 45 minutes, at which time he became unresponsive and had to be carried out of the sanctuary.

The emergency response number was called and he was laid out flat on the floor in the foyer near the closest double door entrance for easier facilitation of Emergency Medical personnel and gurney. Open line communication with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital maintained by Peggy Gazy. RN (myself) and EMT (Charlene Finley) in ready position for possible/probable CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Wife reported husband's status might be due to negative reaction to new medication he took for first time prior to church service.

Skin color was gray, clammy; cool, lips mildly cyanotic (blue), muscles flaccid, radial pulse (in the wrist) weak, left carotid (neck) pulse present but irregular and slowing. Brief periods of unresponsiveness noted at which time he did not respond to painful stimulus or his wife's voice. Continued bradyarrhythmia (irregular heart rate) with bradycardia (slower heart rate than normally expected) at 56-60 bpm (beats per minute). Monitored for approximately 5-6 min in present condition when suddenly no pulse was detected for full 15 seconds and RN and EMT at scene prepared to administer CPR. At the same time a visiting evangelist from another country stretched his hand over the gentleman's body and said 'In the name of Jesus rise up.' Cyanosis previously noted disappeared; skin color pale, no longer gray; carotid pulse present, strong. Eyes open, responded to name, verbalized 'I'm okay.' Stated he was aware of everything going on around him the whole time. Continued to monitor for approximately 3 minutes until ambulance arrived at scene, at which time verbal report was given and care turned over to primary EMT.

Cardiac monitor placed by ambulance crew showed NSR (normal sinus rhythm or normal heart beat). O² (oxygen) was placed per NC (nasal cannula or via the nose) for comfort and to facilitate breathing. EMT stated he was going to start an IV (intravenous fluids), transfer the gentleman to the gurney and transport him to the local hospital. At that time, I returned to the sanctuary.

The gentleman's relatives later reported he was found to be without any residual side effects from his ordeal and was released from the hospital later that afternoon. He was sighted shortly after his hospital release at a local restaurant enjoying lunch.

Respectfully submitted,
(signed)
Kimmer Penniman, RN