RCBC Nursing student provides critical assistance to peer experiencing seizure
Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019

 

Eilis Callaghan

For Rowan College at Burlington County professor Nora Todd, November 11, 2019 began like any typical day. Until, during one of her classes, a student began having a seizure. Todd immediately phoned for help but wasn’t sure what to do next.

That’s when Nursing student Eilis Callaghan stepped in and handled the situation like a trained professional. She knew exactly what to do. In a soothing voice, she spoke to the young man until the ambulance arrived. She wiped his brow with a cool, moist cloth and cradled his head against her arm, ensuring his airways remained clear. 

Incredibly, Callaghan had no prior experience in seizure assistance. Her gut reaction was to spring to the young man’s side and offer the help she could. 

“My main goal when assisting him was to keep his airway open, something I learned from my Basic Life Training/CPR and to ensure he still had a pulse,” Callaghan shared. “I have never been in such an intense situation before, so now I am sure my reflex is aligned with that of a future nurse.”

Callaghan’s innate desire to help others fueled her interest in nursing. Although she was raised with a “mind your own business” mentality, it just never felt right to her. She’s not the only one who recognized her inherent talent, as Nora Todd was blown away by her ability to help with the seizure that day. 

“I have never witnessed such exceptional behavior from one so young. She will be an extraordinary nurse. She handled the crisis so wonderfully and efficiently that I was swept with waves of relief,” Todd shared.

Eilis spoke to the young man after the incident, and he informed her that it was his first seizure. 

“I was happy that during such a terrifying time for him, I could offer some comfort,” Callaghan said.

Whatever the future holds for Eilis, she has already made a tremendous impact on the life of another, and isn’t that more than most people could ask for? 

Eilis' story is part of RCBC’s 50 stories for 50 years. In honor of the college’s 50th anniversary, RCBC is profiling students, faculty, administrators, alumni and the college community. Anyone interested in being featured can contact rcbcnews@rcbc.edu. To follow along on social media, use #RCBC50Stories.