Off-Duty Cardiology NP Saved Fellow 10K Runner’s Life at Finish Line

A quick response in a moment of crisis can mean the difference between life and death. That’s exactly what happened at the San Diego Aloha Run 10K when Christie Morcos, a cardiology nurse practitioner at Scripps Memorial Hospital, saved a fellow runner’s life. Her clinical expertise and swift action turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of hope.

Here’s how it all went down: Kim Stevens, a 62-year-old runner, collapsed just after crossing the finish line. She had no known history of heart problems, yet she was experiencing sudden cardiac arrest—a condition that claims over 350,000 lives in the U.S. annually. The survival rate for cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting is less than 10%, which makes timely intervention absolutely crucial.

Lucky for Stevens, Morcos was in the right place at the right time.

CPR and AEDs: The Game-Changers in Cardiac Arrest

When Stevens collapsed, Morcos’ nursing instincts kicked in immediately. “She just looked to me like something was not right,” Morcos later said. Without hesitation, she jumped into action, performing CPR and calling for an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Now, let’s pause for a second to talk about CPR and AEDs—two life-saving tools that form the foundation of emergency response. The American Heart Association reports that for every minute defibrillation is delayed, a cardiac arrest victim’s likelihood of survival falls by 7 to 10 percent. That’s why Morcos’ quick thinking mattered so much.

When the AED was brought to the scene, she delivered the life-saving shock that restored Stevens’ heart rhythm. Moments like this are a powerful reminder of why CPR refreshers are worth the time, because when the moment comes, every second counts.

But here’s the kicker: Stevens was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital, the very place where Morcos works. Talk about teamwork! Adding to the twist, Morcos’ husband, Dr. Peter Morcos, a cardiologist at Scripps, also assisted in the emergency response at the race. The duo proved that sometimes being in the right place at the right time is more than luck, it’s life-saving expertise.

Nurses Off the Clock: Always Ready to Act

Stories like this one are inspiring reminders for everyone in the nursing community that nursing skills matter even when nurses are off duty. Sure, weekends might be meant for rest, but emergencies don’t check schedules.

The American Nurses Association has long emphasized that nurses should be prepared to respond to emergencies wherever they are. Whether walking a dog, running a 10K, or watching a kid’s soccer game, nursing training makes these professionals uniquely equipped to act when seconds count.

The importance of bystander CPR can’t be overstated—the American Red Cross reports that immediate CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Yet, just over 41% of people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests receive CPR from bystanders.

That’s where nurses make a critical difference. Even without an AED handy, basic CPR can buy precious time. Morcos’ quick response serves as a powerful reminder that nursing skills extend far beyond hospital walls.

Nurses are trained to stay calm under pressure, prioritize life-saving interventions, and adapt to any situation—all skills that translate seamlessly to real-world emergencies. Whether you’re a brand-new nursing student or a seasoned nurse with decades of experience, this story proves that you don’t need a stethoscope to make a difference.

A Patient-Provider Bond Born from Crisis

Kim Stevens might be the luckiest runner on the planet. Not only did she survive cardiac arrest, but she also gained a trusted cardiologist—Dr. Peter Morcos—for her ongoing care. Talk about a full-circle moment!

Despite the scare, Stevens is keeping her spirits high and even looking forward to her next race. “I think from now on it’s just going to be the 5K,” she joked, adding that she hopes to run alongside Christie Morcos next time.

This story isn’t just about survival—it’s about the profound impact nurses have, both on and off the job. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of charting, medications, and endless patient rounds, but moments like these remind us of the bigger picture.

Nurses and nurse practitioners don’t just provide care; they save lives in the most unexpected places, often when no one else can. So, whether a nurse is clocking in for a shift or enjoying a day off, their skills are always with them.

You never know when you’ll need to make a difference. And maybe it’s time for all of us to brush up on our CPR skills, you never know when you might find yourself running a 10K and saving a life before heading to brunch.

🤔Nurses, have you ever found yourself stepping in to help when off the clock? Share your story in the discussion forum below!