'It's A Miracle': Nurse Saves Man's Life At Charlotte Airport

July 13, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Charlotte, North Carolina.

A nurse is being hailed as a hero for saving a man's life at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

nurse saves man at airport
Claire and Ken / WBTV News

Shortly before boarding his connecting flight, 57-year-old Ken Jeffries experienced a cardiac episode, displaying clear signs of a heart attack.

Fortunately, Claire Cerbie, who was boarding the same flight, quickly recognized the symptoms and immediately intervened. Her swift actions, including performing CPR and utilizing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), stabilized Jeffries while they awaited further medical assistance.

Cerbie's timely intervention proved to be life-saving.

"Most people who this happens to die," said Dr. William Downey, an interventional cardiologist at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where Jeffries received further treatment. "This is sudden death. Claire's CPR kept him alive."

In a heartfelt reunion facilitated through a Zoom call with WBTV, Jeffries expressed his profound gratitude to Cerbie.

"A 'thank you' is not enough, Claire. Thank you for what you did," he said. "I am so appreciative and indebted to you."

Watch the interview below.