Jackson County 911 Center received a call on Oct. 21 for a cardiac arrest at Ingles in Sylva. Upon EMS’ arrival they found a male subject lying on the floor in Kelly’s care. She said she heard a noise from the next aisle and when she went to check she found a man lying on the ground. 

Kelly, who is trained in CPR and first aid, started CPR on the male patient and after about three rounds, the paramedics arrived and were able to provide advanced life support measures. The patient was then transported Harris Regional Hospital helipad where he was air lifted to Mission Memorial Hospital for further care and treatment. The male patient was released after a short stay in the hospital. 

Kelly received her CPR training through health science program at Smoky Mountain High School. 

Kelly was presented with a plaque by the paramedics that responded to the call in appreciation of her fast thinking and the positive impact she has on this patient’s life.