When we leave our home to bring our children to school, we assume that this day will be the same as every other. Not so! Some days bring unexpected surprises, excitement, and on a few occasions, heart-warming stories to relate.
Every morning, bright and early, Sara Lin saves a few lives every day. She serves cups of ultra-strong, piping-hot coffee and/or latte to the patrons of the on Lemoine Avenue in Fort Lee. These individuals proceed to drive to work safely each morning, secure in the fact that no one could possibly fall asleep at the wheel after a cup of Starbucks’ coffee.
On Friday morning, March 2, 2012, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Sara showed that her skills at making people smile and serving coffee only begin to scratch the surface of her real talents. Sara’s quick reactions and intervention may have saved a life that morning.
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A young Korean patron, approximately 25 years of age, fell to the floor of Starbucks, semi-conscious, having some sort of medical episode. Flying from behind the counter at hyper-speed, Sara immediately took charge, declaring boldly that she was an EMT, while demanding vociferously “someone call 911.” She put the gentleman’s backpack under his neck, elevated his head and took his pulse. When the young Korean man regained consciousness several minutes later, Sara gathered personal information from him with the help of his friend, another young Korean, (apparently the victim had no ID on him). She then insisted that he remain resting on the floor, refusing to allow him to get up and leave, insuring his safety while awaiting the EMT unit.
Several patrons grabbed their cell phones and dialed 911 quickly. Within three to four minutes, there were Fort Lee police officers, Port Authority police officers, one ambulance and one emergency vehicle. The response time was outstanding; total kudos to the Fort Lee Emergency Squads. In order to get additional information, one of the Korean emergency unit members sat with the gentleman and translated, while another documented the entire incident. The young man was then transported out on a stretcher.
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Sara Lin is a resident of Secaucus; she has been a certified EMT in Englewood Cliffs for several years. She has been employed by Starbucks for six years and has made the Fort Lee Starbucks her home for the last two years.
So next time you visit Starbucks and Sara is brightening your day with her contagious smile, perky energy and upbeat attitude, please remember that the adorable face behind the counter doesn’t just serve Starbucks coffee; she saves lives.
