SWAMPSCOTT — Kate Sheetz’s CPR certification proved important when she found her fellow Lynn resident Tom Creamer, 72, unresponsive outside the Swampscott post office.
Due to the quick reactions of her and others to the medical emergency, Creamer survived and is on track to recover.
Sheetz was on the phone when she and two others encountered Creamer collapsed on the ground, his eyes open and an envelope still in hand. After the trio agreed to call 911, Sheetz was instructed by the operator to begin doing chest compressions. As a career massage therapist, Sheetz was required to learn the lifesaving method.
“It was hard for my mind to process because it was such an unusual occurrence,” Sheetz said.
Sheetz performed CPR for one minute before paramedics from Atlantic Ambulance arrived, along with members of the Swampscott Police and Fire departments.
“They were just amazing, it was an amazing thing to watch… so persistent and intense with their care” Sheetz said about the efforts of the first responders.
She explained that the only reason she was there was due to past issues with other local post offices, and she was thankful she happened to be there to make a difference and help save Creamer’s life.
Creamer’s sister Terri O’Brien is equally thankful Sheetz took action, and said her brother is already looking to meet her and everyone else who helped resuscitate him.
“Can you just get home and recover before you go to the police station and thank everybody?” O’Brien said she told Creamer.
According to O’Brien, Creamer’s heart entered atrial fibrillation caused by ischemia while at the post office on Aug. 23, and his heart eventually stopped.
“He’s not on any medication for anything,” O’Brien said. “No cholesterol problems, no weight problems, no mobility problems.”
She credited her brother’s fast recovery to his healthy diet and exercise routine.
“He just loves his family and wants to be here for everybody,” O’Brien said. “He wasn’t ready to go.
