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“Andi?” Ty’s sharp prompt brought me back to his question.

“Yes. I’m certified, just never had to use it.”

“Good. I want you to take over for me in another thirty compressions. Push hard and fast, two inches deep. Got it?”

I swallowed, my mouth dry. Ted didn’t have time for me to be anything other than ready. Ty believed I could do it. His confidence bolstered my own. I had no time to be uncertain.

“Got it.”

I took over for Ty when directed and focused all of my energy on pushing. Willing the blood to circulate in Ted’s body. His complexion remained ashen, with no signs of consciousness.

My arms ached with the strain of the pressure I exerted through the heels of my hands, but I didn’t stop. Couldn’t stop. Ty was counting on me. Ted was counting on all of us. I focused on controlling my breathing, hoping to preserve my strength.

How far out was EMS? Ty had acted quickly, stepping into the breach while the rest of us sat frozen, but we didn’t have unlimited energy reserves. Even my short turn at compressions, combined with the adrenaline, was taking its toll. Already shaky, I could only hope more help arrived soon.

My attention narrowed to the few square inches on Ted’s chest and my rhythmic compressions.

“Tapping in,” Ty commanded next to me, and I sat back on my heels to catch my breath as he took over.

Most of the other jurors milled around us, some wringing hands, but I noticed a short line forming behind me. I smiled gratefully at the others ready to step in and help.

Sam skidded to a halt next to us, a bright red kit in his hands. He dropped down beside me, ripping open the Velcro fastening to expose the AED inside. Sam pulled out the scissors, cutting away Ted’s polo shirt to expose his chest.

Shelly’s frantic voice intruded from somewhere off to my right. “He just collapsed. Now he’s unconscious. Please send us an ambulance.”

“Andi. Take over. I’m going to prep his chest.”

I moved back into place over Ted, pushing with all my might. Around me, Ty and Sam shaved a small section on Ted’s chest and positioned the electrode pads as the diagram on the front of the device indicated. We worked in silence, focused on our individual tasks.

Each second stretched like an hour, but I continued my compressions, ignoring the way my muscles burned, until the automated voice of the AED indicated stopping CPR and Ty tugged at my shoulder to pull me away. I sat back on my heels, breath fast and heart racing, watching Ted for any signs of recovery. Everything happened so fast, the AED’s robotic voice seemed eerie in the shocked silence.

“Do not touch patient … analyzing heart rhythm … please wait.”

“Do not touch patient … shock advised … shocking patient in three, two, one …”

“Do not touch patient … analyzing heart rhythm … please wait.”

“Do not touch patient … shock advised … shocking patient in three, two, one …”

“Restart CPR …”

"I’ve got this,” Ty said softly, gently nudging me to the side.

Ty took over with Ted, pressing rapidly. His matter-of-fact approach helped me breathe more easily. Thanks to him, we had clear direction, and I had confidence we were doing everything we could for Ted.

We continued rotating through compressions and shocks as the AED advised. When the medics arrived to take over in a flurry of activity, Ty pulled me aside. I didn’t realize I was trembling until he tugged me close, squeezing tight.

“Hey. Hey.”

He tilted my chin up, and I let him see my watery eyes.

“You did great, Andi. You were amazing. We helped until the professionals arrived.”

I inhaled a shaky breath, trying to let his words soothe the ache inside. Residual fear still gripped me. Now that the intensity of the last few minutes was wearing off, the adrenaline withdrawal was making me shaky.

I glanced around the room, spotting Shelly and others watching quietly, the remains of lunch strewn across the tables. We’d done it.

I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the soapy-clean scent of Ty. By comparison, I was a hot, sweaty mess. It wasn’t fair.