Antelope Valley Medical Center Volunteer Performs CPR Before First Responders Arrive
(LANCASTER, CA. — November 10, 2026) When 18-year-old Antelope Valley resident and Antelope Valley Medical Center volunteer, Isabella Llamas, stopped for coffee on a recent Sunday morning, she never imagined she would find herself providing emergency care to a stranger involved in a serious traffic collision.
Moments after arriving, Isabella heard what she initially thought was a tire blowout. Instead, she discovered a major crash scene with vehicles engulfed in flames and a critically injured victim in need of immediate assistance.
Before emergency responders arrived, Isabella joined another bystander and, with guidance from a 911 dispatcher, began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the victim.
"There was so much happening around us," Isabella said. "But while I was doing CPR, it was just me, the other bystander, and 911."
As a vehicle burned nearby and windows shattered from the intense heat, Isabella remained focused on providing emergency care until first responders arrived and took over.
After the incident, Isabella found herself questioning whether she had done enough.
"I spent the rest of the day wondering, 'Did I do the right thing? Did I do enough?'" she said.
For Isabella's father, Juan Llamas, a registered nurse at Antelope Valley Medical Center, the answer was clear. "Our goal was to make sure she knew she did the right thing," Juan said. "She put everything aside to help somebody who was fighting for their life."
The experience became a defining moment for Isabella, who plans to pursue a career in nursing.
"It solidified it even more," Isabella said. "I realized that I can do more and I can give people more chances."
"We are incredibly proud of Isabella,” said Edward Mirzabegian, CEO of Antelope Valley Medical Center. "She stepped forward without hesitation to help someone in need. Her actions highlight the importance of CPR training and reflect the compassion and commitment to service that define healthcare professionals."
According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival. CPR provided by bystanders in emergency situations can play a critical role in preserving blood flow to vital organs and improving outcomes. Isabella's response serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR training, and the impact community members can have during an emergency.
As Isabella looks toward her future in healthcare, the events of that day will remain a powerful reminder of why she chose this path. Long before earning her nursing degree, she has already demonstrated the qualities that define an exceptional caregiver.
For more information about AVMC’s Volunteer Program, visit www.avmc.org/volunteer.
Photo caption: Antelope Valley Medical Center volunteer, Isabella Llamas, stands outside the hospital's Emergency Department. Llamas recent
About Antelope Valley Medical Center
Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is the leading hospital in the heart of the Antelope Valley, delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the community since 1955. As a 420-bed, full-service, acute-care hospital, AVMC offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, advanced surgical procedures, maternity and neonatal care, cardiovascular care, and the region’s only trauma center, pediatric and inpatient behavioral health unit. With a focus on innovation and compassionate care, AVMC is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.avmc.org, call (661) 949-5000, or follow us at @avmedicalcenter.
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