SSM Health employee saves life of longtime volunteer at recognition luncheon

by SSM Health

Recently, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital celebrated its volunteers at a recognition luncheon in honor of National Volunteer Week. We recognized many longtime volunteers, including Carol Aubuchon, who received the Lifetime Recipient Award for her 3,260 hours of service. Carol has been a volunteer at SLU Hospital since 1993.

While this was a joyous occasion, unfortunately it turned quickly into an emergency situation when Carol began to choke on her food and was unable to speak. Kelly Baumer, VP of Clinical Services, saw what was happening and did not hesitate - she quickly jumped into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver on Carol, quickly applying three abdominal thrusts, resulting in Carol being able to clear her airway.

Carol was so grateful for Kelly's quick actions, and said that she could "always count on Kelly" for helping her. At SSM Health, we could not agree more with Carol's sentiment - everyone knows you can always count on Kelly to step up to help in whatever capacity needed. Thank you, Kelly, for your rapid response and saving maneuver for this longtime volunteer at SLU Hospital!

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