Guthrie Woman's Recent CPR Training Helps Save Husband's Life

A Guthrie woman's quick thinking and recent CPR training are being credited for saving her husband's life. Thursday, she was reunited with the first responders who wanted to recognize her for the lifesaving actions.

The couple was wrapping up a morning of shopping, when Andy Conley fell to the floor in full cardiac arrest. And without hesitation his wife dropped to her knees and began chest compressions, “Everything just happened so fast,” said Vicky Conley.

It wasn't unusual for Andy Conley to suffer dizzy spells. But this one became dangerous fast.

“He says 'honey I’m dizzy.' and he put his hand on the table. And he does that a lot and he just usually raises up. Well this time he kept going,” said Vicky Conley.

Andy was in full cardiac arrest, symptoms his wife recognized instantly.

“I rolled him over and I just knew the signs,” she said.

Two days before the shopping trip, Vicky had completed her American Red Cross CPR refresher class. Skills doctors and first responders credit for saving Andy's life.

“We went inside and there she was going to town doing some of the better CPR I've seen. So I actually let her keep going for a few seconds while we got all of our equipment set up.”

Surgeons at OU Medical performed double bypass surgery on Andy to open a blocked artery.

“I remember blacking out and not waking up until Thursday,” said Andy Conley.

Married 32 years, Vicky and Andy's love and bond is now stronger than ever.

“He's always been my soulmate, my best friend,” said Vicky.

Andy never doubted his wife could take the lifesaving skills she's learned and put them to use, but he never thought they'd be used on him.

The couple now encourages everyone to take a CPR course, because the life you save could be your loved one.

“I think everybody should take it, even if you save one person it's worth it,” said Andy Conley.

Andy was released from the hospital Wednesday and is now at home recovering with help from family.

If you'd like to become CPR certified, there are several organizations that offer the training. Click here for more on classes with the American Red Cross.

Oklahoma City’s fire department offers free CPR training. For more information call (405) 297-1312.