Letter Carrier Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Blackwell was delivering mail recently in Kinston, NC, when she spotted a customer who appeared to be in medical distress.
Blackwell rushed to assist the woman, who was lying on the ground and fading in and out of consciousness.
The Postal Service employee called 911, held the customer’s hand and talked with her until emergency responders arrived.
The customer was taken to a hospital, where she died later that day. The cause of death was not disclosed publicly.
Bystanders commended the letter carrier.
“She demonstrated professionalism and compassion in her actions,” one observer said.