Berkshire Elementary nurse shares life-saving CPR story

For Berkshire Elementary School nurse Erin Mayfield, an annual CPR training became deeply personal — CPR saved her husband’s life late last year.

Ms. Mayfield shared her husband’s story Thursday during the annual CPR training for staff and Northwest ISD nurses. In previous years, the CPR training had been offered to staff online. 

"You never know when you'll come across someone experiencing cardiac arrest," Ms. Mayfield said. "I was so lucky that day — people nearby knew what to do and acted quickly to save my husband’s life. It's important for others to be prepared because emergencies don’t just happen at school. They can happen at home, in the neighborhood, at the grocery store or in a restaurant. People need to know how to help."

Late last year, Ms. Mayfield’s husband collapsed while jogging in their neighborhood. Fortunately, neighbors — including Peterson Elementary Principal Danielle Grimes and her husband, Trent Grimes — were nearby.

Mr. Grimes, trained in CPR through his job, immediately began chest compressions until emergency responders arrived.

"The fire department is right across the street from my neighborhood, so they arrived within minutes," Ms. Mayfield recalled. "They used an AED and had to shock him three times. By the third shock, they got a heartbeat. My husband is alive today because of their quick action."

After this life-changing experience, Ms. Mayfield was determined to provide hands-on CPR training for her school’s staff, particularly since they work closely with students and families.

Berkshire Elementary Principal Shanel Jones fully supported the initiative.

"Our nurse has always been a champion for important health initiatives, but CPR training took on a whole new meaning for her after what happened with her husband," Jones said. "Hopefully, this training empowers every person to step up in an emergency and take action."

For kindergarten teacher Miranda Morgan, this was her first hands-on CPR training.

"I thought it was really powerful," she said. "I didn’t know Ms. Mayfield’s full story before today, and it made the training feel even more meaningful. When you work with young children every day, knowing how to respond in an emergency is so important."