A woman who collapsed in Union moments after leaving a street dance there Saturday night says she refused transport by medical helicopter because she does not have health insurance.
Linda Field, 51, of Nehawka said she had spent about an hour at the street dance with friends and was walking near the village park, but does not clearly remember what happened next.
When she awoke, she was in an ambulance with an emergency helicopter on its way. Field said emergency responders told her that her heart had stopped twice and was restored by CPR.
She said she did not want to go to the hospital by helicopter.
“I have a heart blockage. I’ve been to doctors and have been waiting and trying to find a doctor who will see me pro bono because I do not have any insurance,” she said.
Field offered her thanks Monday morning to her friends, the Union Fire Department, the Union Rescue Squad and two nurses that came to her aid.
“I want to thank everyone who was trying to help. I had a lot of friends there, so that was a good thing,” she said.
Field said her son, Skye Nicolay, was near when she collapsed. She said he talked with her and held her while responders performed CPR.
Field’s friend, Russell Speed, said they returned to the dance briefly to let everyone know she was okay and say goodbye to friends.
Despite her experience with two heart stoppages, he said she refused medical treatment.
“She’s a very strong woman and very independent,” he said.
