Off-duty nurses from Jefferson are providing life-saving assistance at MilkBoy.
On a typical Thursday night at MilkBoy, a popular bar and live music venue in Philadelphia, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when, shortly after 8:30 p.m., an older man collapsed near the stage during a funk show. The incident, which attracted urgent attention, ultimately showcased the prowess of off-duty medical professionals who were present at the scene.
In attendance were a group of off-duty nurses from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, located just a block away. As the man lost consciousness and entered cardiac arrest, three nurses, seated downstairs, quickly mobilized to provide the necessary medical assistance. The alarming situation unfolded during a performance by the New York-based band Owls by Day, opening for the funk group Polyrhythmics. Upon being alerted to the emergency, the off-duty nurses ascended to the upper level where the incident occurred.
According to MilkBoy owner Jamie Lokoff, the nurses employed cell phone flashlights to assess the victim’s condition. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), they began chest compressions immediately on a man they described as having no pulse. More nurses soon joined the effort; MilkBoy’s general manager Anna Reed reported that the group provided chest compressions in shifts for approximately eight to ten minutes. This collaborative, rapid response demonstrated the nurses’ training and dedication to saving lives outside of their professional roles.
As the situation unfolded, Eric Lense, the drummer for Owls by Day, noted that the man was in critical condition. The urgency and intensity of the moment were palpable, yet it was inspiring to witness the nurses intervene with such precision. By the time emergency responders arrived, the off-duty nurses had successfully revived the man, who was then transported to a nearby hospital with his condition unreported but reportedly stable.
This incident marked a concerning yet remarkable trend, as it was the third documented case in recent years where medical professionals from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital had responded effectively to emergencies at MilkBoy. In a prior occurrence, an off-duty physician utilized a defibrillator to save a patron experiencing cardiac arrest. With a history of serving the community, MilkBoy has garnered a reputation as a welcoming spot for Jefferson staff, who frequently patronize the establishment after their shifts for food and drinks.
In recognition of this recent life-saving event, both Lokoff and Reed expressed profound gratitude to the nurses involved, whose identities remain undisclosed. Although a spokesperson from Jefferson could not identify the nurses who intervened, they released a statement expressing pride in their clinicians’ quick-thinking and lifesaving skills. The bar staff also acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of the nurses and provided complimentary services to the group.
This profound incident serves as a reminder of the vital importance of healthcare professionals and their unwavering commitment to public health, even outside the confines of a clinical setting.
