Off-duty nurse helps save man’s life during heart attack

ROCHESTER — A local man has a second shot at life after suffering from cardiac arrest and collapsing on Main Street in downtown Rochester.

Rochester Police Chief George Rouhib said dispatch received a call Oct. 26 regarding a man who required medical attention in front of Chomp at 200 S. Main Street.

“While Dispatcher Simon was speaking with the 911 caller, the male collapsed, lost consciousness and stopped breathing. This critical information was relayed to the responding police officers and firefighters,” he explained.

Rochester police Officer Brenna Houge and Rochester Fire Department Engine 2 were first on the scene, followed by Rochester Police Sgt. Mark Lyon, who discovered Amanda Drogowski — a registered nurse — performing CPR on the man. 

“She continued chest compressions until Sgt. Lyon attached (automated external defibrillator) pads to the patient’s chest, following the AED’s prompt, and continued CPR,” Rouhib said. “Amanda maintained chest compressions until officer Hogue took over.

“Amanda then moved to the head of the patient to assist with ventilation using the bag mask until paramedics arrived with oxygen. Sgt. Lyon noted that the man began showing signs of life as a LUCAS (chest compression) machine was being positioned. Immediately thereafter, he regained a pulse and started to breathe on his own.”

The patient was transported to the nearest hospital, where he began to regain consciousness. The next day, police followed up with the patient’s daughter, who reported that her father was in an intensive care unit but “was conscious, was able to talk and was enjoying the Detroit Lions game.”

“Doctors confirmed that without the immediate lifesaving assistance provided by Amanda Drogowski, the man would not have survived,” Rouhib noted.

 In recognition of her heroic actions, Drogowski received a Civilian Award at the Nov. 11 Rochester City Council meeting and was commended for her “exceptional lifesaving efforts.”

“I just think it’s amazing when someone can save someone’s life. Amanda happens to be a registered nurse, so thank God she was there. And a big thank you to all our police officers and firefighters that were there, they did a great job too — and our dispatcher,” Rouhib said.

“This is what makes me stay in this business — things like this.” 

Many people took to social media to thank Drogowski for her swift and courageous action. 

On the Rochester Police Facebook page, Lizzy Brighi said: “Wow. Whoever this beautiful young woman is, I want to thank her for bringing some faith back into humanity. Outstanding work. God Bless.”

Cindy Seme commented: “What a hero! Congratulations on your civilian award. Thank God there are kind helpful people in this world like you.”

Camyn Oliver stated: “Not all heroes wear a cape or a mask. ... THANK YOU for being selfless and caring! Keep (sprinkling) your sparkles and sharing your kindness.”