Quick Thinking Saves Woman’s Life After Calling to Cancel Doctor’s Appointment

A Denver woman’s routine call to cancel a doctor’s appointment turned into a life-saving intervention thanks to the attentiveness of healthcare staff who recognized the signs of a serious medical emergency.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Launice Freeny-Brown initially called Intermountain Health to cancel her appointment, explaining she wasn’t feeling well. Kim Headley, a staff member in contact care, answered the call and immediately noticed concerning symptoms.

“I got the call and she was talking and she was really short of breath. Like she would have to say a word or two and then she would have to take a breath again and I finally go, ‘Are you short of breath?’ And she’s like, ‘Well, you realize, I kinda am,'” Headley recounted. Freeny-Brown also reported experiencing the worst chest pain of her life.

Swift Action and a Race Against Time

Headley quickly alerted Tonya Hopper, the nurse on call. Before Hopper could even speak with Freeny-Brown, the call was disconnected. Concerned, Hopper attempted to reach Freeny-Brown’s emergency contacts but was unable to connect with anyone. Without hesitation, she called 911 and requested a welfare check at Freeny-Brown’s home.

Paramedics and firefighters arrived at Freeny-Brown’s residence just minutes later, finding her in critical condition. Freeny-Brown recalls, “There was banging on my front door and I said, ‘Who is that at my front door?’ And I looked up, it was the paramedics and the fire department.”

A Heart Attack Averted

It was discovered that Freeny-Brown was experiencing a heart attack. She expressed immense gratitude for Headley and Hopper’s quick thinking and decisive action. “I really do appreciate her due to the fact that she saved my life,” Freeny-Brown said. “And at that moment, I didn’t know I was having a heart attack.”

Three months after the incident, Freeny-Brown had the opportunity to personally thank Headley and Hopper at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. “I am so grateful and I appreciate you two so much. And I owe you my life,” she told them.

Importance of Recognizing Symptoms

Freeny-Brown emphasized that she initially dismissed her symptoms and wouldn’t have sought medical attention if not for the intervention of Headley, and Hopper. She is now recovering, taking medication, and focusing on regaining her strength, but is committed to listening to her body and prioritizing her health.