1. IUSON Student Saves a Life
The evening of January 12, 2015, will forever stand out for Maria Whicker, 20, a sophomore
attending Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Maria was preparing to
begin her nursing studies at the Indiana University School of Nursing (ISON). In fact, the
Induction Ceremony for nursing students was scheduled for that evening. On what seemed to be
an average winter night, Maria and her dad made the drive from Plainfield, Indiana, to IUPUI.
The ceremony, itself, was going to change Maria’s world. Little did she know she was going to
be put to the test earlier than expected.
“When we arrived on campus my dad turned onto Barnhill Drive
where I saw a man lying on the side of the road,” said Whicker,
“All I could think was that I knew something was wrong and I
needed to help him.”
Whicker, the oldest of four children, always considered herself
somewhat of a second mom; it naturally instilled in her that sense
to care for others. “I’ve always wanted to go into nursing school,
since I was in high school. I want to make someone’s day better
when they may be at one of the worst times of their life,” said
Maria.
In her younger years, Whicker’s little sister, Sophia, was rushed
to Riley Hospital for Children due to an appendicitis. “I saw how
much the nurses at Riley really care for their patients. In class, we
talk about always being the patients’ advocate, and that’s what I
truly want to do,” said Whicker.
Upon pulling up to the scene, Whicker’s quick-thinking led her to
jump out of her father’s car and rush over to the man lying on the
ground. “Adrenaline just kicked in and I knew I had to act fast.” While another woman called the
ambulance, Whicker began checking for a pulse. “At first, it was difficult to find the pulse
because I had never been in that type of situation, but he wasn’t breathing, and I couldn’t find a
pulse at all. I knew I needed to begin CPR or he wasn’t going to make it.”
During her four years in high school, Maria spent every summer lifeguarding at her local pool.
She was well-trained in CPR and drilled on how to react in a crises situation. “Although each
crisis scenario is different, I’ve always been taught to help no matter what,” said Whicker.
While an onlooker went to retrieve an AED (automated external defibrillator), and a few others
contacted 911, Maria began compressions with the help of Ina Wilson, a nurse practitioner from
IU Health and an IUSON alum – BSN ’01 and MSN ‘06.

2. “I had just got off work when I drove by and saw Maria and a few onlookers around the man,”
said Wilson, “I pulled over to see if I could help, and when we realized the man wasn’t
breathing, Maria and I began compressions.”
Once the AED was hooked up Whicker and Wilson waited to see what they needed to do. “The
machine showed that he needed to be shocked which meant his heart wasn’t beating. My entire
body was filled with adrenaline, and we pushed the button to shock his heart,” said Whicker,
“Ina and I continued compressions because he still had not regained a pulse.”
The ambulance arrived soon after to take the man to the hospital. “Sadly, I haven’t had any
contact with him since the incident occurred, but I heard the paramedic say ‘We have a
heartbeat,’” said Whicker, “And I had one of those feelings where I knew he would be okay.”
Fortunately, the cardiologist on-call who took care of the man works with Ina Wilson. “Last I
heard the man was in good condition, and knowing that we were the reason he is alive is exciting
and a relief as well,” said Wilson.
Marsha Baker, Director of Diversity and Enrichment at IUSON was the first on the scene after
the ambulance’s arrival. “I was shocked when I saw it had been Maria helping the man, she
seemed so confident, almost as if she was already a nurse,” said Baker, “Maria is a leader in all
aspects. I could tell when I first met her she was going to be someone who will make an impact
one day, she was always very willing to learn and to motivate others.”
After the man was safely transported to the hospital, Whicker met her mother and the rest of her
family at IUPUI’s Campus Center for the ceremony. “My mom came running up to me with
tears running down her face, and in that moment I knew I was meant to be a nurse. Knowing that
this man was okay because I took the time to stop and help a complete stranger meant so much to
me and I will never forget it.”