Overview
- On Nov. 5 in Henrico County’s Echo Lake Park, Melinda Pereira collapsed from cardiac arrest and later woke up in a hospital with no memory of the event.
- First responders told her a stranger began CPR before medics arrived, and doctors said the timely intervention likely changed the outcome.
- Pereira reports sore ribs consistent with chest compressions and wants to thank the helper believed to be a nurse.
- The treating hospital did not record the bystander’s name, leaving the lifesaver unidentified and complicating efforts to reconnect.
- WWBT/12 On Your Side is soliciting tips to identify the rescuer and directed leads to reporter Desiree Montilla at desiree.montilla@12onyourside.com.