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Baltimore nurse Emily Raines and her boyfriend Daniel Shifflett are being hailed as heroes after their life-saving actions on a Southwest flight. 

While returning from a Caribbean cruise, the couple found themselves in the midst of a medical emergency when a fellow passenger's heart stopped. 

Raines, an acute care nurse, and Shifflett, a former nurse turned finance professional, quickly responded to the flight attendant's call for assistance.

Raines and Shifflett rushed to the aid of the unconscious passenger, who had turned purple due to lack of oxygen. They were uniquely qualified to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aka CPR.

Assessing the situation, Raines used a device to ensure the man's airway was clear, while Shifflett initiated chest compressions. The couple tirelessly worked for 20 minutes, resuscitating the passenger just seven minutes before the plane landed. 

Their valiant efforts did not go unnoticed by fellow passengers, who applauded and gave high-fives to Raines and Shifflett as they deplaned. 

Heroes story goes viral

The story of their heroic act quickly gained viral attention, standing out amidst the usual news cycle dominated by political debates and financial issues.

Days later, Raines received a heartfelt message from the passenger's wife, expressing profound gratitude for saving her husband's life. The man was recovering well, although the exact cause of the medical emergency remained unclear.

Her message to Raines was “I cannot possibly thank you enough for saving [his] life. There are no words.”  The wife promised to send Raines and Shifflett some homemade cookies as a token of appreciation.

Raines attributed the successful resuscitation to the CPR training provided by her employer, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, which holds the distinction of being a Resuscitation Quality Improvement Lighthouse Organization in Maryland. 

The experience of saving a life has further strengthened the bond between Raines and Shifflett, whose romance includes a unique understanding and skillset in the medical field.

The couple's incredible feat serves as a reminder of the importance of having individuals with medical knowledge present during emergencies. Their quick thinking and selfless actions have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the life they saved and inspired others with their heroic act.