Teen helps save life of coworker, crediting training at vocational high school

WESTFORD, Mass. — A Chelmsford teen who helped save the life of a coworker credits her training at her vocational high school.

Savanna Goodin, a senior in the Health Assisting program at Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford, was working at Walgreens on Plain St., in Lowell, on Jan. 22, when her coworker suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed.

The man was unresponsive and turning blue, said Goodin, who works at the store part-time and as part of her Cooperative Education program.

“I heard a huge thud behind me, and I hear a customer scream,” recalled Goodin, who recently turned 18 years old. “There was literally a switch that just went off. I felt something mentally snap, and I was just [thinking], ‘This is what has to be done. This is what has to happen.’ And I was just driven. I was just full adrenaline.”

Goodin called for someone to call 911 and to alert the pharmacist.

Goodin then began chest compressions, pausing for the pharmacist to provide rescue breathing. They continued CPR for several minutes until first responders arrived.

Lowell Police Dep. Supt. Mark LeBlanc told Boston 25 News an officer took over chest compressions, providing one more round before the fire department arrived. Paramedics then utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED) before the man regained consciousness.

LeBlanc said Goodin’s and the pharmacist’s actions likely saved the man’s life.

As the victim is now home recovering, Goodin said she feels proud of her efforts and grateful for her hands-on education.

“I would not have been able to do it if I hadn’t come to a school like this,” Goodin said.

Principal Jeremy Slotnick said the incident highlights the value of a vocational education.

“Kids get a chance to practice things that will be helpful to them out in the real word when they move out into careers or just have to be heroes like Savanna was in their everyday life,” Slotnick said. “I think Savanna is amazing. In a situation like that, I think I would struggle to react as effectively and as quickly as she did.”

A Walgreens spokesperson sent Boston 25 News the following statement:

“Walgreens applauds team members like Savanna and her co-workers who show such care for each other, our customers and patients. Whether they’re working at the front of our stores, administering life-saving vaccines and COVID-19 tests, or helping patients keep up with prescriptions and health screenings, our team members are there for the communities we serve and each other, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

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