Erin Mills was getting ready to lead the strength training session of a group fitness class at the St. James Club when she heard a crash.
Turning around, the personal trainer and University of Toledo senior saw a woman lying face down on the floor next to an exercise machine. Mills rushed to her side.
Mills
“I initially thought maybe she was hurt from falling, but I saw her skin was already blue and her eyes were open but non-responsive,” she said.
Feeling for breathing and finding none, Mills immediately turned the woman over and began CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. She and another gym employee also used an automated external defibrillator. Her quick actions helped save the woman’s life.
Paramedics arrived and were able to get the woman’s heart restarted before transporting her to a hospital. Mills later learned the woman had suffered a heart attack that led to cardiac arrest.
“In that moment it crossed my mind that if I don’t do anything, she’s going to die,” Mills said. “It’s very important to get to them as quickly as you can. The paramedics and people in the hospital were telling her that was the biggest factor in her surviving.”
Mills, who is studying exercise science and will graduate next spring, had received ample lifesaving skills training, but she said she was somewhat surprised by her reaction — particularly how calm she was.
Her actions that day came as no surprise to Dr. Thomas McLoughlin, an associate professor of exercise physiology and one of Mills’ faculty mentors.
“Inspired? Yes. Proud? Most certainly. But, surprised? Absolutely not,” he said. “Erin is one of the most dedicated, capable, kind and intelligent students in the exercise science program. She is the embodiment of the UToledo mission of improving the human condition in the region and the world.”
Mills, who grew up in Sylvania and chose UToledo for its proximity to home and strong value, had wanted to become a physical therapist since early in high school.
“I like how it’s an up-and-coming occupation. I have just loved all things sport and health ever since I was young,” she said. “I grew up in sports. I grew up going to physical therapy myself and I just like the environment.”
Mills enrolled in the exercise science program, choosing the pre-physical training track. Earlier this year, she took advantage of the early decision option and was accepted into UToledo’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
She’ll begin her doctoral program next summer.
“The University of Toledo has amazing faculty and great facilities. Even during the interview, that was reaffirmed,” she said. “They are kind and they care about your success. They had a student forum where we were able to talk to students who were in the program right now and that’s what all of them had to say —nothing but good things.”
Mills said her life-saving experience at work helped solidify her career goals of helping people as a physical trainer.
McLoughlin, who wrote Mills’ letter of recommendation for her entry to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, said he has no doubt about her continued success.
“Erin has touched the lives in her community with her kindness and willingness to help those in need,” he said. “I am excited for her future career pursuit of physical therapy, as she will undoubtedly become an outstanding clinician.”
