Arielle Baker, a woman who went into cardiac arrest at the Columbia Heights Metro stop, was saved by a group of bystanders back in January. She now delivered a speech to express her gratitude to those who saved her life.
The 29-year-old woman almost died during the incident that took place on January 6, 2020. Two Metro riders performed CPR on her.
On Saturday, D.C.’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department held an event, where Baker got a chance to thank the people who helped bring her back to life.
A woman who nearly died at a Metro station was reunited with the people who helped save her life during a ceremony hosted by D.C.'s fire department on Saturday. https://t.co/f0LeAWvcw1
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) February 15, 2020
“I’m so thankful for everyone who took it seriously and gave me another chance at life,” she said. “Had these women not been there for me, I wouldn’t be here. I don’t take that lightly.”
She added that it was a “true testament to the goodwill of people.”
Kimberly Herrmann, a doctor who was one of the two individuals who helped Baker, also spoke at the ceremony, saying that it was a big team effort.
A total of 15 people were honored by the fire department for their role in saving Baker. They were given medallions called “Cardiac Arrest Save Coins.”
The coins are awarded to those who help return a pulse to a pulseless patient before the patient is transferred to a hospital.