WVC student saves a life

 On the day Tina Alvarez passed her CPR test at Wenatchee Valley College, she saved a life.

Alvarez had just started her shift as a server at a local restaurant in February when she noticed a customer choking. Realizing no one was able to help the woman, Alvarez jumped in with the Heimlich maneuver.

Alvarez was honored in May by North Central Region EMS, Lifeline Ambulance and Ballard Ambulance Service for her heroism. CPR instructor Jan Kaiser and Wenatchee Valley College were also recognized with certificates for teaching the life-saving skills, which are part of the nursing assistant class. WVC President Jim Richardson accepted the award on behalf of the college.

The awards were presented by Christina Eickmeyer, American Heart Association training center coordinator for North Central Region EMS. Alvarez and Richardson also received CPR Anytime for Family and Friends kits, which include blow-up manikins and instructional DVDs, to share with others. The kits teach CPR in 20 minutes.

Alvarez praised Kaiser and nursing assistant instructors Patti Kyle, Wendy Murphy and Molly Haley. She plans to eventually enter the college nursing program.

"I think everyone should take a nursing assistant class," Alvarez said.

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