DETROIT – In a remarkable survival story, a 33-year-old Detroit mother, Celeste Cole, went into cardiac arrest and was saved by the quick actions of first responders.
This incident underscores the importance of Women’s Heart Health Month.
On Friday, Feb. 7, Cole reunited with the Detroit Fire Department team that saved her life.
The department organized the reunion to celebrate the life saved through their swift response and expert training.
“I just want to thank every last one of y’all for not giving up on me and coming to my rescue,” Cole expressed with gratitude.
Cole now considers Feb. 7 as her second birthday, marking the day she was given a second chance at life one year ago.
She recounted the day, saying, “I was just at home with my mom and my children having a typical day, and my mom says I just went to sleep, but I wouldn’t wake up, so she sprung into action and called 911, and they taught her how to do CPR, and she did it until they came.”
The Detroit Fire Department’s cross-training enabled them to administer chest compressions, rescue breaths, and use an AED, ensuring Cole’s survival until she reached the hospital.
Chief of Operations David Nelson of the Detroit Fire Department praised the dedication and skill of the first responders and the medical professionals at Henry Ford Hospital, saying, “Thanks to the dedication, skill, and determination of our first responders, as well as the outstanding medical professionals at Henry Ford. She is here with us today.”
The reunion was an emotional moment for all involved. “It’s just incredible to see that we made a difference,” said an official.
Cole shared a powerful message, emphasizing that cardiac events can happen to anyone at any age.
“They’ve ran so many tests to figure out what could have caused it and what could have happened and nothing has came back. It’s literally out the blue. It could happen to anyone at any age. I was only 33,” Cole said.
Since her close call, Cole has taken her heart health very seriously and encouraged others to do the same.
