Embracing The Human Connection

When 61-year-old Randy Youngblood’s mother died from a cardiac arrest event, his family gathered at his home in mourning the next day, never anticipating that Youngblood would soon go into cardiac arrest as well.

On the afternoon of Sept. 14, 2024, Youngblood was holding his grandchild when he sat down in a chair and began demonstrating seizure-like activity. His daughter Cayla Brown called 911 with panic already setting the tone, but fortunately, Seminole County (Florida, USA) Fire Department’s Certified Training Officer Mikayla Kruse was ready to reassure and redirect her fears.

Nothing was clear. Cayla had described a potential heart attack, stroke, or seizure, so Kruse wasn’t sure how to classify the event as each condition is handled on a separate Medical Priority Dispatch System^™ (MPDS^®) protocol pathway.

Still, Kruse’s two years at the console have helped her recognize when she needs to have a grounded approach, exercising compassion while seeking clarity. “It’s a fine balance,” she said. “Sometimes you need some sternness in your voice to gain control in a professional way. You want the caller to understand the severity of what’s happening, but you also want them to trust your empathy.”

At some point, Cayla expressed fear that she was experiencing a panic attack. After unsuccessfully trying to pinpoint “exactly what happened,” Kruse chose to focus on the priority symptom. “Is he breathing?” Kruse asked. The answer was “No,” so Kruse went straight to CPR instructions.

Cayla’s husband (Youngblood’s son-in-law Mason Brown) began compressions while listening over speakerphone. Fortunately, as a former Marine, his military medical training helped him focus on what to do in that heightened state.

The string of instructions felt like a controlled blur: selecting the “Witnessed or Just Occurred Cardiac Arrest” pathway, positioning the patient flat on the ground, focusing on the positioning and depth of compressions, allowing the chest to rise, keeping the momentum, counting with the caller, and encouraging each effort. “I told them they were sustaining Randy’s life,” Kruse said.

Adrenaline was taking over, so Kruse had to slow Mason down. Amazingly, he kept at it without trading off for an incredible seven minutes until fire/rescue arrived. “Doing CPR for that long speaks volumes of him, having the mental and physical strength to keep going,” Kruse said.

Disconnecting as responders take over can be a heartfelt cliff-hanger, but Kruse went on taking calls, trying to put her obvious investment on the shelf. “It takes time to learn how to navigate your brain and put those emotions in a special place while also feeling what you need to feel,” she said.

“I can’t stop caring. It’s a part of my job to be invested in the outcome of these people. It’s just part of the human connection.”

Two months later, Kruse immediately recognized the story when Lieutenant Raul Sanchez informed her of the lifesaving award she would receive at a celebration for Youngblood’s recovery. At the publicized ceremony honoring the involved fire, hospital, and comm. center personnel, Kruse basked in the support of her own family and fellow Emergency Dispatchers. The emotional embraces shared with Youngblood and his family were a humble highlight, each sharing tear-filled thanks for her lifesaving impact.

Cayla was eager to see Kruse among those honored. “You kept me calm and helped me before anyone,” she said. “Those were the longest seven minutes of my life!”

Kruse proudly posted about the ceremony on her social media page, which surprisingly revealed that Youngblood shared a connection to her own family though marriage on her uncle’s side, a coincidence that only solidified their bond.

“If ever I have to call 911 for myself or a family member, I hope Mikayla answers the phone,” said Assistant Supervisor Patricia Garrett. When the headset gets heavy, Kruse remembers her mantra “If not me, then who?” to reaffirm her purpose. She always wants to be the reason someone else is still here.