Nursing student saves woman's life with CPR in Texas Hobby Lobby
The critical moment
The incident unfolded in early 2025 at a Hobby Lobby in Austin, Texas. Grant, who also works as a nurse at St. David's South Austin Medical Center, was shopping when she heard the urgent call for help. An employee had collapsed and was unresponsive.
Without hesitation, Grant rushed to the scene, finding the woman without a pulse. Drawing on her medical training, she immediately began chest compressions while another bystander, Aubrey Marquette, assisted.
Against overwhelming odds
The statistics were grim: fewer than 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside hospitals survive, and only 1-3% recover without cognitive impairment. But Grant and Marquette refused to give up.
For over five minutes, Grant performed continuous chest compressions, maintaining the critical rhythm needed to keep blood flowing to the woman's brain. When EMS arrived, they administered three defibrillator shocks and intubated the patient before airlifting her to Grant's own hospital.
Miraculous recovery
In what medical professionals called extraordinary, the woman was discharged within one week with no neurological damage. The outcome defied medical statistics and demonstrated the life-saving power of immediate, properly performed CPR.
"I didn't feel like a hero—I felt scared and unsure," Grant reflected honestly about the experience. "But we did what we could, and that made all the difference."
Recognition and impact
Both Grant and Marquette received Lifesaver Awards at the 27th Annual Bastrop County First Responders Luncheon, recognition that Grant accepted with characteristic humility. The incident has since been used in training scenarios to emphasize the importance of bystander CPR.
Dr. Sarah Matthews, an emergency medicine physician familiar with the case, noted: "This outcome is remarkable. Andrea's quick action and proper technique literally brought someone back from death's door. It shows why everyone should learn CPR."
Inspiring others to act
The incident has sparked increased interest in CPR training across the Austin area. Local community centers report a 40% increase in CPR certification class enrollment since news of the rescue spread.
"People see that regular citizens can save lives," explained Jim Rodriguez, a Red Cross CPR instructor. "Andrea wasn't on duty, wasn't expecting this — she was just shopping. But her training kicked in, and she saved a life."
The ripple effect
The woman Grant saved has become an advocate for CPR education, sharing her story at community events. "I wouldn't be here without Andrea," she says simply. "Now I want everyone to learn what she knew."
Grant continues her nursing studies while working at St. David's, but the Hobby Lobby incident has shaped her perspective on healthcare. "It reinforced why I became a nurse," she shares. "You never know when you'll be called to help."
A call to action
Grant's story serves as a powerful reminder that medical emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. Her success demonstrates that with proper training and the courage to act, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary outcomes.
As Grant puts it: "If you see someone in trouble, don't assume someone else will help. You might be their only chance. Learn CPR — you could be the difference between life and death."
The American Heart Association offers CPR certification courses nationwide, and many are now citing Grant's rescue as inspiration for enrollment. In a Hobby Lobby craft store, between the yarn and scrapbooking supplies, a nursing student proved that heroes walk among us every day — we just need to be ready when our moment comes.