Page 11 - WING May-Jun 2016
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Prior to waking, Beal underwent surgery that successfully cleared
arterial blockage and installed a stint. The cardiologist who treated
Beal made it very clear to his wife, if not for the skilled resources at
Honda, the outcome would have been very different.

It’s been eight months and like pieces of a puzzle, Beal continues
to glean details of that fateful morning. To quote a conservative
American radio broadcaster known to Beal and many others, “and
now the rest of the story.”
Deb Cramer, a registered nurse who joined HAM in 2013 following 25
years emergency room experience and Lindsey Bechtel, a licensed
practical nurse with six years of know-how were performing their nor -
mal duties when Beal came in and reported he didn’t feel well. Upon From left: Lindsey Bechtel, Anne Beal, Jamie Beal,
Deb Cramer, Pat Mullady, and Mike Moffitt.
further questioning, he elaborated on his symptoms which prompted a
very strict protocol in response. First, the nursing team applied a heart
monitor to measure his heart rate and rhythm and took other vital
signs. Second, as a precaution, they requested a medical squad to
come and take Beal to the local hospital for specialized testing. Though still fatigued and unable to resume full duties right away,
Beal was anxious to return to work. His primary physician felt Beal
Bechtel recalls Beal’s mood was lighthearted and jovial. And when a would benefit from HAM’s “work recovery program” (WRP) and his
trip to the local emergency room was suggested, he did not object. team elatedly welcomed him back in late January.
Then all of a sudden, Beal, who until now was coherent and interac-
tive, went into cardiac arrest. The goal of WRP is to reintroduce an associate to process work grad-
ually while providing individual rehabilitation at the Watson Wellness
At that moment, when seconds matter, the education, training and Center (WWC) over a three to eight week period. Under the watch-
experience of the medical personnel paid off. The nurses instinctively ful eye of physical therapists, Beal used the amenities to regain his
began chest compressions, aided by Mike Moffett (MAP Emergency staying power, performing regiments of cardio exercises, including
Services). It quickly became apparent how serious the situation was aqua therapy in the junior Olympic sized swimming pool.
and the emergency defibrillator was deployed, not once but twice,
after which a pulse returned and Beal began breathing on his own. Beal continues to exercise in anticipation of reaching his previous
Simultaneously, Pat Mullady and Randy Johnson (MAP Emergency endurance levels. He is half way there, having worked his way back
Services) made preparations for Beal’s pending transport. Beal doesn’t up to 150 crunches in his daybreak routine. When asked what advice
recall any of these details, “a blessing,” said Cramer. he would offer others, Beal had a quick retort. “Eat a balanced diet
and exercise, listen to your body and get things checked when there
After five days of inpatient care at OSU, Beal was released with a are abnormalities. I didn’t pay attention to the warning signs.”
positive prognosis and began the long road to recovery. Though he
felt good mentally, the trauma to his body dramatically affected his Beal is extremely appreciative to all involved in his care, especially
stamina. Patients who undergo heart surgery must recondition their his two favorite nurses. Beal’s wife was thankful for the many cards
bodies to resume normal daily functions. For the next six weeks, and well wishes received from her husband’s co-workers. But she
Beal underwent physical therapy close to home. was especially grateful to HAM’s medical group and not just for the
immediate emergency treatment rendered to her spouse. In the
midst of all this, MAP Medical contacted her so swiftly, she arrived
KNOW THE SIGNS at the local hospital before her husband.
AND SYMPTOMS OF Cramer and Bechtel are humbled by the gratification. Both
A HEART ATTACK expressed satisfaction in helping each patient that walks in the door
and attributed constant training for the preparedness to handle the
unexpected, such as this rare instance. A joyous Cramer retorted,
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, profuse sweating with “this sticks in my mind as one of my best days.” It was an emo-
light activity tional reunion when Beal returned to work. “He came in, we hugged
and cried,” said Bechtel. Beal was unashamed. “The doctors at
• Extreme fatigue OSU told my wife, if not for Honda’s medical group, I wouldn’t be
• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness (may increase with activity) alive. I will always be grateful for what they did for me….they are
the BEST,” he concluded with a huge smile.
and pain may radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw or back
• Nausea/vomiting For more information on Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s),
refer to the Sept/Oct 2014 issue of the WING or ask one of the
• Symptoms may go away when the person is at rest, plant/department safety representatives. W
but there is still cause for concern Chris Tucker
chris_tucker@ham.honda.com

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