Keep Calm and Save Lives
Not everyone has an opportunity to save a life. Emma McLeish had that once-in-a-lifetime experience twice.
Before she came to Franklin College, she had many different factors drawing her to be an exercise science major. Emma’s mother and grandmother are nurses, and her mom is currently a registered nurse at Franciscan Health in Franklin. “Both my dad’s and my mom’s side are all in the medical field. I’ve been around it so much and I’ve always wanted to make an impact with people.” Not even out of college, McLeish has started to make an impact on her community.
Emma found herself in the right place at the right time to help a pregnant mother give birth in July of 2023. She was babysitting at a friend’s house when the mother started to go into labor. During that moment, McLeish admitted that she felt hesitant at first “but I was trying to stay calm.” She called 911 and helped stimulate the baby’s crying and breathing until the EMT’s arrived.
A couple months later, in October, Emma was at the Community Life Center in Greenwood. While working a man fell to the floor and became unresponsive. In that moment, Emma felt no hesitancy, she took over for the son who was performing CPR because “I didn’t want him to witness all of that.” She began chest compressions and directed those around her to help. Both patients are doing well.
Despite the adrenaline-rushing scenarios, Emma was told in both situations that she remained calm and collected. “I wanted to make sure all the patients (baby and man) were given the best chance of survival through applying my knowledge and putting my fear aside and giving them the best care possible.”
McLeish said that she attributes her ability to approach each situation because of the knowledge she has gained from her education at Franklin College.
“I think having the knowledge and skills is what led me to be able to perform calmly and at the best of my ability.” — Emma McLeish ’25
Dr Eiler’s CPR/First Aid class was a key component in making sure that she was prepared for any situation. “She taught me how to perform calmly and professionally in emergency situations.”
Her opinion on CPR and First Aid is “that everyone needs to know it,” when you are faced with that situation, “one person can’t handle everything.”
McLeish has not handled her education by herself either. Along with Dr. Eiler, she said that “Dr. Noerr and Professor Ryan helped my education by giving me the basics [taking blood pressure and Anatomy/Physiology] I didn’t think I would use until graduate school.”
Another surprise in Emma’s life came from receiving the American Red Cross award. She said that she “wasn’t told I was even nominated.” After receiving the prestigious award, she reflected that “being able to receive that award made me very proud of myself. I am fully capable of being in the medical field and handling emergency situations.”
Looking to graduate this spring, McLeish, is applying to start PA school in May 2026. Her goal is to work in ‘PEDS for PA’ or emergency trauma but is open to whatever surprises may come her way.
Her words of encouragement to herself ring true for all students. “You know what you’re doing. Don’t overestimate. Don’t overthink. Just do it like you do.”