University Hospital’s Felicia Quick, CRNP, presented with Civilian Lifesaving Award by Mobile Fire-Rescue Department
Felicia Quick, and her husband, Mike, a former firefighter, were outside a Mobile County License Commission office when a man collapsed. As someone called 911, the Quicks went to work.
By Casandra Andrews
candrews@health.southalabama.edu
Most days, nurse practitioner Felicia Quick uses her life-saving skills when she’s on duty in the emergency department at USA Health University Hospital. A few weeks ago her training and experience helped a man in distress after he collapsed.
Felicia Quick, CRNP, and her husband, Mike, a paramedic, were outside a Mobile County License Commission office on May 12, 2020. A man in line dropped to the ground. As someone called 911 for help, as the Quicks went to work.
“He started having abnormal breathing and that’s when I started chest compressions,” Felicia Quick said. “It happened so fast.”
The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department’s Engine 28 and Rescue 28 were dispatched to the scene for to care for a person suspected of having a heart attack. When they arrived, the crew found the Quicks performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the man who at that point had become unresponsive.
The fire rescue crew took over, applying a device for continuous chest compressions, while also performing advanced life support procedures. The patient was resuscitated and transported to a local hospital, Felicia Quick said.
Because of their demonstration of compassion, Felicia and Mike Quick were honored in June with civilian lifesaving awards presented by Mobile Fire-Rescue Department (MFRD).
“These two civilians had no duty to act, especially during our current pandemic and public health emergency,” said Steven Millhouse, public information officer with MFRD. “Thanks to their early recognition and quick actions to save a stranger, a life was saved.”
Felicia Quick became a nurse in 2008 after earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mobile. In 2016, she earned a master’s degree from the University of South Alabama to become a certified registered nurse practitioner.
When a news story aired on television about the civilian awards, the patient’s family reached out to the couple through social media to let them know the man received needed care and was recovering. A short time later, the patient they helped in May offered his gratitude via Facebook.
“The man wrote that we were his guardian angels,” Felicia Quick said. “That brought tears to my eyes. I believe God put us there. We were where we needed to be.”
