Posted on 11/24/2021
Jill Pall and Ailene Connors-Albarron
Jill Pall (left) and Ailene Connors-Albarron

Survivor: Jill Pall

Date of Event:

Location of Event: Mountainside, New Jersey

Rescuer(s):
Ailene Connors-Albarron

I am sure you will receive many nominations for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation’s People Saving People™ Award, all more than worthy of the honor. When I read the criteria for submissions, I knew I just had to nominate my hero, Ailene Connor-Albarron, as she is truly an “ordinary” person with an extraordinary spirit who helped save my life. 

On Friday, June 25, 2021, at age 43, I went into sudden cardiac arrest at Echo Lake Park while there with my dog, Charlee, for the “Littles Luau.” I knew Max and Charlie’s owner Ailene casually as we both bring our pups to the small dog area in the park regularly. I was crouched down taking a photograph of a dog for the costume contest when I collapsed. Without hesitation, Ailene immediately stepped in and administered CPR after I fell to the ground, and continued to do so after the county police arrived, until the ambulance came and the EMTs took over 10 minutes later.

While I remember nothing from this day, nor those that followed while I was hospitalized, I was blown away and deeply moved when multiple people started telling me the same story of what transpired that afternoon. Long story short, the 9-1-1 call came in as a fall so when the police responded, they brought the first aid kit but left the AED in their vehicle. I was revived once in the park and twice more in the ambulance.

At the hospital, therapeutic hypothermia treatment was used and I left the hospital nine days later with an S-ICD. While in the hospital, they found that I was born with a faulty mitral valve and as a result, my heart was enlarged. I am scheduled for open heart repair/replacement surgery next week.

While Ailene was doing lifesaving CPR, Sheldon’s owner, Sonja, called 9-1-1. When the EMTs were having trouble with the oxygen, Carl, Larry David’s owner, stepped in to help them. I credit all three of these individuals with my life. And, if it weren’t for the quick and decisive actions of Ailene, I would not be here typing this today. 

Thank you for considering my lifesaver, Ailene, for People Saving People™ Award. I appreciate the opportunity to nominate her and look forward to becoming more involved with the foundation. The work you are doing to raise awareness of SCA and promote lifesaving initiatives is truly commendable and so very important.

Nominated by Jill Pall

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