AUSTIN, June 12, 2025  — Over the course of one very long night, Jes Nelms had a sudden cardiac arrest, three additional cardiac arrests, and a cardiac syncope. Thanks to her husband’s CPR training and his immediate response, Jes beat the odds and survived. 

Her husband had stayed awake after an electrical malfunction in their Austin home woke him up. At 3am, he noticed that something was wrong – Jes’s breathing was irregular and she was unresponsive. Within moments, she stopped breathing entirely. With no hesitation, he pulled Jes onto the floor and immediately started CPR. 

That quick action made the difference. The Austin Police Department arrived in under two minutes and took over, closely followed by the Austin Fire Department and EMS responders. Jes had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest – one of four that she would experience before the next morning. 

Jes was placed in a medically-induced coma and spent 12 days in the hospital. But her survival wasn’t just about medical intervention – it was because her husband knew what to do in those critical first moments. 

Now, Jes is on a mission to spread awareness about CPR training and encourage all Austinites to join the Nation of Lifesavers. The majority of cardiac arrests happen at home and only 10% survive. But – immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival. 

“If my husband hadn’t been trained in CPR, I wouldn’t be here today,” Jes said. “Every family member trained in CPR is a potential lifesaver – please, please be prepared to protect your loved ones.” 

Saving a life takes just two simple steps. First, call 9-1-1 if you see a person collapse, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song that has at minimum 100 beats per minute, such as Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” or the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive.” Learn more about Hands-Only CPR at heart.org/en/nation-of-lifesavers. 

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 About the American Heart Association   

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.         

 For Media Inquiries 

Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org  

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 

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