An ordinary delivery turned into a medical emergency for two Amazon delivery drivers in Covington, Kentucky, on Tuesday. Eric Bunzow and Shawn Beam had just delivered a printer to an 85-year-old woman when she suddenly collapsed.According to Fox 19, Bunzow and Beam, who are longtime friends and Amazon Delivery Service Partner drivers, had carried the printer inside the woman’s home. After the delivery, she invited them to see the view from her balcony. Few moments later, she said she was feeling dizzy.“She said, ‘Oh, you ain’t seen nothing, let’s go look at the balcony,’” Bunzow said. “As we were walking, she said, ‘Young man, I feel a little dizzy.’ I said, ‘Here, hold my hand, I’ll set you down.’ When she grabbed my hand, she collapsed.”The woman fell into Beam, who helped prevent her from hitting her head. The two drivers then realised that she was not breathing and immediately began responding to the emergency.
Drivers respond quickly
Beam, who has training in safety response, began the Heimlich manoeuvre after the woman collapsed. At the same time, Bunzow called paramedics for help. “I said, ‘Eric, she’s not breathing.’ He said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘She’s not breathing!’” Beam reacalled.Bunzow said he recognised the symptoms because of a previous experience. The emergency also reminded him of the death of his mother, who died in March.“My mom passed away in March, and then to watch her … she died on us … like he said, we were at the right place at the right time,” Bunzow said.The drivers continued helping the woman while waiting for emergency responders. Paramedics arrived within five minutes.
Son says help came in time
The woman’s son, James, said the actions of the two drivers may have made a major difference because they were already inside the home when his mother collapsed.He said emergency responders might not have arrived in time without Bunzow and Beam being there and acting quickly.“The fact they were there and made quick actions- we’re not planning a funeral,” James said. “We are celebrating my mom being around for more time.”
Drivers plan to return
Bunzow and Beam said they plan to visit the 85-year-old woman again. They remembered the balcony and the view she had wanted to show them before the emergency. “Eventually, we want to see that view and make sure that she’s doing okay,” Bunzow said.Beam also said he hoped they could return and spend some time with her on the patio. “Just sit on the patio with her and be like, ‘Look at this, amazing,’” Beam said. “I bet there’s a nice breeze coming through there right now.”
Amazon praises
Amazon said Bunzow and Beam’s actions reflected the response and care expected from its Delivery Service Partner community.“We’re proud of Eric and Shawn for their courage and quick response in helping a resident experiencing a medical emergency while they were out on their delivery route,” Amazon said in a statement.The company said the two drivers deliver for a Delivery Service Partner in its network and described their actions as an example of drivers supporting the communities they serve.“Eric and Shawn deliver for a Delivery Service Partner in our network, and their actions reflect the compassion and character we see across the DSP community, where drivers regularly go above and beyond to support the communities they serve,” Amazon said.The company also said its thoughts were with the woman and her family as she continued her recovery.