Woman suffering heart attack saved by quick thinking co-workers

A school cafeteria worker in Wilmington suffered a heart attack but is alive thanks to the quick thinking of her co-workers.

Linda Burridge is recovering after life-saving surgery.

The 67-year-old suffered a major heart attack on Wednesday morning at her job in the cafeteria at St. Mark's High School.

Her sister Angel Cartwright is a co-worker.

"She was just staring out in space and I couldn't get her to respond to me," said Cartwright.

Cynthia Avery, the school nurse, was summoned and started the CPR process.

"It was quite obvious that we needed to start CPR right away - that she was in that much trouble," said Avery.

School deacons Bill and Patrick Johnston - the school's EMT experts were in the cafeteria as well.

They launched into their much practiced "chain of survival" - and called for the automatic external defibrillator.

They delivered a shock to Burridge, did more CPR and eventually the patient was conscious with good pulses and breathing.

The entire sequence took 20 minutes before Burridge was rushed to the hospital for surgery.

Doctors say without the fast and skilled response at the school, she may not have survived.

"To see the outcome that we were able to bring someone back to life was just a blessing," said Deacon Bill Johnston.

"It was particularly gratifying to see in that one moment that we didn't lose her," said Deacon Patrick Johnston.

"I'm just thankful that they are family and friends. Never take life for granted," said Burridge over the phone.

Burridge's story is wonderful news for her family and all involved at St. Mark's but EMS professionals say it's great for public service as well.

It shows the enormous benefits of CPR training for as many people as possible even outside the professional ranks.

"It's awesome to see the fact that it works. CPR works and the AED works," said Avery.