Six weeks after first responders found Sue McDonough barely breathing and without a detectable pulse, she stood before them laughing, sharing stories and offering her thanks.

For the team from East Alabama EMS and the Opelika Fire Department, it was a reunion they rarely get to experience.

When McDonough began having difficulty breathing at her Opelika home, her husband called 911 for help. The call initially appeared to be a breathing emergency but quickly turned far more serious.

Nikki Williams, a paramedic with East Alabama EMS, and EMT Dalton Singleton reached the home at approximately the same time as members of the Opelika Fire Department. As the responders entered the house and assessed McDonough, they saw that she was breathing only about twice per minute and could not immediately detect a pulse.

The team lowered her to the floor and began CPR.

"We never know what to expect, so we are always ready for anything," Williams said. "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast."

For Williams and the other responders, the phrase reflects the importance of remaining calm and moving deliberately, allowing each person to perform their role efficiently without overlooking critical steps.

While Tyler Meadows, a paramedic with the Opelika Fire Department, and other firefighters assisted with CPR, Singleton returned to the ambulance to retrieve the equipment needed for the resuscitation. The firefighters also brought in a mechanical chest-compression device, allowing the team to continue administering consistent compressions while preparing medications, establishing access and managing McDonough's airway.

Williams said the close working relationship between East Alabama EMS and area fire departments allows everyone to move confidently and cohesively.

"It wasn't a battle of the brass," she said. "We worked together. We figured out what was going on."

Meadows joined Williams in the ambulance during the trip to the hospital, assisting with McDonough's breathing while Williams continued providing care and prepared samples so the hospital could begin testing as soon as they arrived.

By the time the ambulance reached the hospital, McDonough had regained a pulse and blood pressure. The emergency team evaluated her before she was quickly admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Williams later learned that McDonough's breathing tube had been removed and she was breathing on her own.

Approximately six weeks after the emergency, McDonough reunited with the responders who had cared for her. This time, she was standing up, laughing and thanking the group that had come to her aid. She was joined by her husband, Brian-a retired law enforcement officer-as well as her daughter, sister and a friend.

"I can't express what a wonderful experience it was to meet Nikki and the team," McDonough recalled. "It was so heartwarming to hug, love and thank them all. I could never express my gratitude enough."

For Williams, seeing McDonough alert and talking was an uncommon and meaningful conclusion to a call that could have ended very differently.

"A lot of times, we don't get that outcome," Williams said. "It's very rare that we get that outcome, especially with no neurological deficits. It's nothing short of a miracle."

McDonough is a retired East Alabama Health employee who spent decades helping coworkers solve problems and keeping hospital computer systems operating. During the reunion, colleagues described her as someone they could always depend on. This time, a team of first responders was there when she needed someone dependable.

Although Williams was recognized for her actions, she emphasized that the outcome belonged to the entire team.

"I'm grateful it was us who came to help her," Williams said. "But I truly believe anyone here who had gotten that call would have done the same. We answered the call, and I'm really grateful we were able to be there for Ms. Sue."

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 336-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency care, outpatient services and surgery, while its campus also features a nursing home. East Alabama Health employs about 4,200 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.