LIFE SAVERS

On Jan. 27, John and Nicole Bacigalupo stopped at the McDonalds in Byron on their way home from Rochester for a milkshake and coffee.
For the couple, and for a complete stranger it proved to be be the most important fast food stop in their lives.
As they were leaving the drive-thru to go back on their way to Hayfield, the couple noticed a Olmsted County deputy, along with a woman on the ground later identified as Jessica Ditlevson.
Both volunteer as EMTs for Hayfield Ambulance, and John works as a full-time EMT for Gold Cross in Austin so they knew they would be able to help.
After telling the deputy that they were both EMTs and asking if there was anything they could do to help, they began CPR as Ditlevson was unconscious at that time.
By the time Gold Cross and Byron first responders got her in the ambulance, she had a pulse in what was a true live saving effort.
According to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, members of her family have advised the Sheriff’s Office that she experienced cardiac arrest and since then is doing well considering what she went through.
Last month, the Bacigalupos were honored by the Sheriff’s Office for their life saving efforts.
Although they are humbled for being recognized with the honor, they explained that what they did day is apart of being a first responder.
“It’s what we do every day at work,” Nicole said. “We were able to turn a bad situation into a good one.”
For the Bacigalupos, they described the situation as everyone being in the right situation at the right time, which helped to save a life that day.
“It wasn't her time to pass,” John said.
The Bacigalupos explained that what they learned that day is to always be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you as you never know when you can able to help out like they did that day.
“I knew if that was my loved one, I would want a professional to help them,” John said. “We only do this job to help bring people home to a love one,” he added.
Ditlevson, said she feels very fortunate that they were there that day, and is forever grateful for what they did that day.
“Everything fell into place that night, and they were at the right place at the right time. I wouldn't be here today without them, and I will forever be grateful for what they did. They gave me a fighting chance to survive,  another chance at life. It's not every day you get to meet your heroes,  but I was fortunate enough to meet mine. They will forever hold a special place in my heart for what they did that night.”