Kelly McMullin, the school nurse at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill, saved a co-worker's life during a cardiac emergency in May. On Monday, Oct. 5, she received proclamations from federal, state and county leaders for it.
McMullin was surprised with the honors during a ceremony following the school's monthly Mass at the Cuthbert Boulevard campus. The school and the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative organized the recognition, which included proclamations and resolutions issued on behalf of U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, New Jersey's Sixth Legislative District and the Camden County Commissioners, NBC10 reported.
The honors trace back to May 6, when Chris Fine, who works in Camden Catholic's dining hall, suffered a life-threatening cardiac emergency at the school. Staff members called 911 and alerted McMullin, who assessed Fine's condition and began emergency care while waiting for paramedics.
Fine survived.
He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Fine later described the episode as a "widowmaker," a term for a severe blockage of the left anterior descending artery, one of the heart's main blood vessels. A full blockage can be fatal within minutes without treatment.
"When she did come to me, she kept me calm and the ambulance got here very quick," Fine said at the Oct. 5 ceremony, as reported by 6abc. "If anybody knows anything about the widowmaker, you don't have much time. I had a 100% blockage."
The school credits McMullin's training and quick response with saving Fine's life. McMullin is a Camden Catholic alumna who has worked at the school since 2024. Her peers describe her as energetic, kind and knowledgeable, according to NBC10.
Upcoming Cherry Hill community events:
- The township is accepting entries for its fall photography show at Croft Farm. Details at cherryhillcourier.com.
- The Food Bank of South Jersey is seeking $40,000 through its Turkey Bowl fundraising drive. More at cherryhillcourier.com.
