NEW YORK, July 11: In a moment of crisis at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, registered nurse Claire Cerbie became a lifesaver when she recognized and responded to signs of a heart attack in fellow passenger Ken Jeffries, 57, just before they were set to board a flight to Knoxville, Tenn.

Cerbie, speaking with local network WBTV during a heartfelt reunion with Jeffries, described how she identified the emergency based on his breathing and snoring patterns, which she recognized from her medical training.

"Just the way that you were snoring and breathing sounded like you were having a heart attack, based on what I’ve seen before," Cerbie recounted to Jeffries.

Without hesitation, Cerbie initiated CPR while someone fetched a defibrillator. "We put the pads on him," she explained. "It indicated a shock, and it shocked him in between while we were doing compressions."

Her swift actions were crucial. After 10 minutes of CPR, Jeffries regained a pulse and started breathing on his own. Cerbie remained by his side until paramedics arrived and transported him to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Dr. William Downey, who operated on Jeffries, emphasized the critical importance of immediate intervention in such cases. "Without CPR and proper use of the AED, this would have been a far sadder outcome," Dr. Downey remarked, noting that prompt CPR can significantly improve survival rates for cardiac arrest patients.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Jeffries expressed profound gratitude towards Cerbie. "A ‘thank you’ is not enough, Claire. Thank you for what you did," Jeffries emotionally conveyed during the WBTV interview. "I am so appreciative and indebted to you."

Cerbie, visibly moved by Jeffries' words, responded humbly, "I’m very glad that I was there that day to help you out. I’d obviously do it again in a heartbeat. I’m so happy to see that you’re doing so well, and you’re doing great."

For Jeffries, the incident underscored the role of chance and the timely presence of skilled individuals in emergencies. "It’s a miracle that I was at that place, at that time, when it happened and the people around me are there," he reflected gratefully.

According to the American Heart Association, early signs of a heart attack can include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. It also advises that symptoms for women may differ and include nausea or vomiting.

As Jeffries continues his recovery, he and Cerbie both acknowledge the serendipity that led to their fateful encounter and the life-saving actions that followed, highlighting the importance of preparedness and swift medical response in critical situations.