It's been a little more than two months since life stood still for Jan Martin, after her husband, Todd Martin, experienced an almost lethal heart arrhythmia.

It happened in November at their home off Monticello Road near Rochester. Crediting the Fulton County Sheriff's Department, Lutheran EMS, and the Parkview Samaritan helicopter transport staff for saving her husband's life, Jan said the quick and efficient response saved her husband's life. 

Although Jan had been a former nurse, the panic that had taken over from the emergency complicated her reluctancy to perform chest compressions on her husband. He had recently undergone open heart surgery on September 25. 

Jan also thanked dispatchers who tried to keep her calm and help her through CPR until medics arrived. Crews arrived five minutes after the initial call.

First responders immediately utilized the Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) device, a machine that provides mechanical chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest. The device is mostly used in emergency medicine as an alternative to manual CPR, providing consistent compressions at a fixed rate while in the process of transporting. 

The Martin's wanted to express gratitude for the amazing teamwork conducted during their emergency. They also expressed how thankful they were that Fulton County Commissioners were planning to renew the contract with Lutheran EMS for the future. 

Martin also wanted to convey the importance of learning CPR, and not being afraid to get hands-on during an emergency immediately, before first responders arrive. 

Locally, the Rochester Fire Department is offering Basic First Aid/CPR/AED certification class January 17 at 6 p.m. Classes are open to the public. It is $25 to receive a certification card. 

The Rochester Fire Department is planning on hosting these classes on the third Wednesday of each month this year. Those wanting to sign up for classes can do so by calling 574-223-6113.