"Burnt Toast" Saved a Life, Thanks to Northwest Healthcare Nurse Miguel Roy, R.N.

6/10/2024

Have you heard of the Burnt Toast Theory? Basically, it's a way of making sense of setbacks and trusting that they can – and often do – clear a different path towards a better future. Burning your toast in the morning might delay you for a while (annoying) but it doesn't need to ruin your day. In fact, that burnt toast might even set you up to do something with your day that's much better than simply 'being on time.'

Miguel Roy De Gracia, R.N., lived out the Burnt Toast Theory on a recent day off, when he got to his gym workout several hours later than normal. Afterwards, on his way out of the sauna, Miguel was shocked to see a man unconscious on the floor – in full V-Fib (dangerous irregular heartbeat) arrest. The man was already receiving help from bystanders - but no one else in the vicinity was a nurse, so Miguel assisted with CPR, attached the leads for the AED, and made sure EMS professionals were on the way.

The next week at work, Miguel happened to see the patient – who was doing well – walking around the halls of Northwest Medical Center.

“It was one of the best feelings ever; seeing a patient walking away unscathed,” Miguel said. “He and his family hugged and thanked me.”

Not only were the patient and his family thankful, so was the community: Soon after, Miguel received the Civilian Lifesaving Reward from Northwest Fire District.

"It was a great team effort," Miguel said. "High-quality CPR is key – and I think I did chest and biceps that day at the gym, so the muscle pump was still strong!"

The bottom line to this success story, according to Miguel, is to remember the Burnt Toast Theory.

"If some inconvenience or delay happens, just chill," he says. "Maybe you were meant to save someone!"

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