SWAMPSCOTT — Two months to the day of his medical emergency, 72-year-old Tom Creamer of Lynn returned to the Swampscott Post Office on Wednesday to officially meet the good Samaritan and first responders who saved his life.
Kate Sheetz, a fellow Lynn resident, was on the phone when she and two others encountered Creamer collapsed on the ground that mid-August day, 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. Sheetz performed CPR for approximately one minute before paramedics from Atlantic Ambulance arrived, along with members of the Swampscott police and fire departments. Police Officer Mike Kenyon, temporary fire lieutenants Justin Ramstine and Mike Salsgiver, and firefighter Ariana Sarro were credited for being the primary individuals who took action after arriving at the scene.
According to Creamer, a retired teacher, he has almost no recollection of the fateful day. He said that meeting Sheetz gave him some form of closure to his near-death experience.
“I know the final piece has been put in place,” Creamer said about meeting Sheetz. “She’s such a good person because I’m not convinced everybody would have done what she did. I’m just grateful for her.”
Sheetz was equally grateful for the opportunity to meet Creamer and the others who assisted him. Creamer was accompanied by his wife, Mary Cheever, and sister, Terri O’Brien. Both described feelings of being overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who contributed to resuscitating him.
“He’s changed his outlook on life,” Cheever said about her husband. “He’s very appreciative of the fact that he got a second chance… I think they brought someone back who really wants to be here.”
According to Creamer, he was told by medical professionals that he had technically died before being brought back to life. Now, he has made almost a full recovery.
Kenyon, Ramstine, Salsgiver, and Sarro spoke collectively about how their work and the work of Sheetz really emphasizes the community values that are held within their departments and in the community. Salsgiver said that the experience was unique because, unfortunately, these types of medical events often do not result in a positive outcome.
“It’s a very large reflection on the town,” Kenyon said. “I have parents in their 70s, and I would love to have the people who responded to this call if it was my dad, my mom, or one of my grandparents.”
