AUSTIN, May 9, 2025 ­­­ — After a sudden cardiac arrest sent local mother Erin Messersmith falling to the floor, her teenage daughters jumped into action and performed Hands-Only CPR, saving her life.

In February of 2020, Erin’s then-16-year-old daughter, Brynn, learned Hands-Only CPR as part of a high school health curriculum. Two months later, during the first stages of the COVID-19 lockdown, Erin collapsed in her home office with a sudden cardiac arrest while her husband was out of the house.

Brynn and her 15-year old sister, Jill, heard choking sounds coming from the office and rushed in. Jill immediately called 911, while Brynn provided CPR for 10 minutes before EMS arrived. Admitted into Ascension Texas, Erin received in-hospital CPR from a nurse after a second cardiac arrest the next day.  

“CPR education – and my daughters – saved my life,” said Erin. “I learned CPR as a teenage lifeguard, but that couldn’t help me when I was the one on the floor. It was Brynn’s school CPR training and her quick action with Jill that made all the difference to our family.”

“At Ascension Texas, our 12 acute care hospitals work together to provide fast, expert care for heart and stroke emergencies,” said Meredith Wells, Vice President of Neuroscience Service Line at Ascension Texas. “Learning CPR is just as critical as knowing when to visit the emergency room – because when you act, you start the chain of survival. In emergencies where every second counts, being connected saves lives.”

Thanks to family support and group therapy, the Messersmith family has navigated the challenging emotional recovery process. Brynn is preparing to graduate college, a milestone that holds extra meaning for the family. It’s proof that preparedness, quick action, and CPR can save lives and futures.

This Mother’s Day, consider celebrating by learning how to save a life. There are two simple steps for Hands-Only CPR. 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/nation.

###

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)

heart.org and stroke.org