To the Editor,
I’ve never written to a newspaper before, however I feel this is important enough to say. I work at a Preston convenience store, with myself and a full-time baker in the kitchen on night shift. Wednesday, September 13, my colleague complained of not feeling well. I notified my manager and wheels started to turn for the manager to come in to replace my friend and colleague. During this time things quickly digressed. My co-worker lost conciousness and had obvious difficulty breathing. I called 911 and started CPR, as he’d stopped breathing. My manager arrived and together we carried out CPR. Preston emergency response and other support showed up in a timely manner; I sure was relieved to see them. A quick exchange of information was made. I was so impressed with our Preston emergency response team; professional, efficient, and precise. I’ve been a nurse for nearly 20 years and can honestly say everything that could be done for my friend was done. Unfortunately, he passed into God’s hands. Casey’s store management came to my home to inform me of the outcome. I so appreciated their support and sincere consideration. I also received a phone call from Ryan Throckmorton, of Preston Ambulance, asking me how I was doing and a few words of appreciation for starting early CPR. Ryan acknowledged that it may feel that the team comes in and things move quickly, leaving one standing there after the ambulance leaves, thinking, “what just happened”? That was exactly how I felt. Thank you Ryan, for your follow-up and kind words. It is this that helps the traumatized put some feeling of being understood in memory of the event. Thank’s to Casey’s management and our wonderful emergency response team. My heartfelt best wishes to all of Brent’s loved ones.
Most sincerely,
Bee Witt
Preston, MN