Galen Nursing Student Saves Woman’s Life with CPR in Texas Hobby Lobby
What began as a regular outing for Andrea Grant and her daughter ended in an unexpected emergency—and a life saved. Grant, a BSN student at Galen College of Nursing and nurse at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center, stepped in to perform CPR on an unresponsive store employee inside a Hobby Lobby in Austin, Texas. Thanks to her quick action and clinical skill, the woman survived and later recovered at the hospital with no neurological damage.
Emergency Unfolds Inside Hobby Lobby
While browsing the aisles, Grant heard a “Code Red” announced over the intercom. She soon found an employee unresponsive on the floor.
“She didn’t respond to her name, a sternal rub, or even a shake—she just laid there, eyes wide open and fixed,” said Grant. “She had agonal respirations, dilated pupils, and no pulse.”
Despite her EMS background and hospital experience, Grant says responding outside a clinical setting felt uniquely intense.
“It felt raw, terrifying, and deeply personal,” she said. “But instinct and training kicked in.”
CPR Efforts and a Miraculous Recovery
Grant immediately began CPR, continuing chest compressions for over five minutes until bystander Aubrey Marquette arrived to assist. EMS arrived shortly after, administering three defibrillator shocks to restore circulation. The patient was intubated and airlifted—ironically—to the hospital where Grant works.
Within 24 hours, the woman was awake and alert with no neurological damage. She was discharged just one week later.
Grant later learned that fewer than 10% of people survive cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting with return of spontaneous circulation. Of those survivors, only a small number—about 1 to 3%—recover without cognitive impairment.
Doctors called the woman’s recovery “a miracle,” crediting Grant’s quick response and effective CPR for preserving brain function.
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Why Nurse Training Matters in the Real World
Grant credits both her time as an EMT and her nursing education at Galen College for giving her the skills—and mindset—she needed in that moment.
“My time at Galen has been incredibly impactful. The program has challenged me in the best ways and helped me build a solid foundation in both knowledge and clinical experience,” said Grant. “While nothing can fully prepare you for having to perform CPR in a public place, the training I’ve received at Galen, combined with my previous EMS and hospital experience, helped me stay focused and act quickly when it mattered most. It reminded me why I chose this path—to be ready when someone else needs help the most.”
She also shared that one of the most unexpected moments came after the rescue, when she found out she shared a connection with Marquette, the woman who stepped in to help. It turns out Aubrey is her former CPR instructor’s wife, and had learned CPR from helping him in his classes.
Recognized for Heroism
Andrea Grant and Aubrey Marquette were recently honored with:
- A Lifesaver Award at the 27th Annual Bastrop County First Responders Luncheon
- A commendation letter from Texas Senator Ted Cruz
- An upcoming Lifesaving Award to be presented by the woman they saved at a Bastrop City Council meeting
A Call to Action for CPR Certification
“I didn’t feel like a hero—I felt scared and unsure,” Grant said. “But we did what we could, and that made all the difference.”
She hopes her story inspires others to get CPR certified and push for more widespread access to AEDs in public spaces.
🤔As a nurse or nursing student, have you ever had to use your training outside of a clinical setting? How did you handle it?
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