Several minutes later, a gurney can be seen wheeled in by Fort Meyer Emergency Medical Services, who then transported him to a local hospital.
“Whenever there is a rescue like this in a group, there are a lot of people who pitch in,” Milley said. “The (senior enlisted advisor to the chairman) came to help, and there was a physician who worked with the VA who was there as well, so it was a team effort by everybody.”
Milley said if any key message should be conveyed, it’s that people should learn CPR.
“Bystander intervention can save lives, and it did (Wednesday),” Milley said. “It absolutely did.”
Milley checked on the man Thursday, when she discovered he was a veteran, there at the cemetery to honor those who served. The man, who wished to remain anonymous, told Milley he was grateful he’d be alive for the next Veterans Day memorial, she recounted.
Milley has been a nurse for 33 years, 18 of which were spent in critical care. She’s worked as a cardiac nurse for the past 15 years and is currently practicing in northern Virginia. She said she’s worked hard to continue her career by transferring her nursing license multiple times while moving from state to state as a military spouse.
“While it certainly took a lot of grit and tenacity to maintain my career, these broad experiences have actually made me a better nurse,” Milley said.
Gen. Milley, in a statement emailed to Military Times, said this is what America is about.
“This is people helping people without question or hesitation,” Gen. Milley said. “Hollyanne’s actions were representative of the hero medical professionals who are always there when we need them.”