At a heartfelt reunion in East Potomac Park, 24-year-old Angel Barr got the chance to meet the first responders who saved her life during the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler last month.
Angel was running the race like she had many times before—feeling strong, excited, and ready. But mid-run, everything changed. She suddenly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.
“I felt physically and mentally fine that day,” Angel recalled. “They told me I was a miracle... a lot of people don’t survive what I went through. Hearing the story, I’m shocked.”
What saved her? A chain of fast, life-saving actions. Two bystanders jumped in to start CPR immediately. Within moments, two DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS) boats arrived with responders who used a defibrillator to restart her heart. Then U.S. Park Police airlifted her to the hospital.
“This didn’t just happen by accident,” said Dr. David Vitberg, Interim Medical Director for DCFEMS. “It happened because our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics get exquisite training.”
On Tuesday, Angel reunited with those heroes, sharing hugs, tears, and deep gratitude. Each first responder received a commemorative coin in honor of their incredible efforts.
It was a beautiful reminder: in moments of crisis, trained professionals—and everyday people willing to help—can make all the difference.
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Photo: Getty