CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi Police dispatcher Linda Campbell and Ernest Flores were honored with the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Hero Award after dispatcher-guided CPR helped save Flores’ pregnant wife and their newborn daughter, according to the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association said Mikayla Flores was 34 weeks pregnant when she suffered cardiac arrest at home on February 16. Ernest Flores called 911, and Campbell provided step-by-step CPR instructions until emergency medical personnel arrived.

According to the release, Ernest performed CPR for about five minutes. An automated external defibrillator was used three times while Mikayla was en route to the hospital, and medical teams later performed an emergency delivery. The mother and newborn both required resuscitation but ultimately stabilized and are now doing well, the association reported.

“They have not only saved lives, but they are also inspiring others to improve the survival rate of cardiac emergencies by raising awareness of CPR,” Amy Snell Canterbury, American Heart Association-Corpus Christi development director, said in the release.

A calm voice in the chain of survival

KRIS 6 News also reported that Flores and Campbell received the Heartsaver Hero Award during a Corpus Christi Hooks baseball game on June 4 as part of CPR and AED Awareness Week.

The Corpus Christi Police Department publicly recognized Campbell’s work and compassion, saying her calm guidance and quick actions helped save two lives. The department also credited first responders and officers who supported the family during the emergency response.

The American Heart Association said the recognition was tied to its broader CPR and AED education push. During the Hooks game, the association provided Hands-Only CPR demonstrations, AED education and CPR Anytime training kits for fans.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: This article uses only publicly reported medical and family details, avoids adding private medical speculation, and centers the lifesaving 911/CPR response. The featured image is a real source photo from the recognition coverage, not AI-generated imagery.