Flight attendant saves passenger's life

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A fast-thinking flight attendant saved a passenger's life at Miami International Airport earlier this year, and now, she is getting a very special message from the victim.

Poul Jensen and his wife spent 6 weeks in South Florida from their native Denmark. On their way home back in January, Jensen had a heart attack. "It is very hard for me to speak about these things. I am a happy man today, I have my family, and I thank the lady very, very much," said Jensen.

Meghan Rafferty was in the right place at the right time on Jan. 29. The American Eagle flight attendant grabbed a defibrillator and used it on Jensen. Her actions earned her MIA's employee of the year. "Anybody would have done the same thing in my situation. That if somebody was in need, and hurt in front of you, I did only what was natural, to help that individual," said Rafferty.

After an operation and two weeks in the hospital, Jensen returned home to Denmark.

Jensen's daughter also spoke about the incident. "I've never met her, but I'm very grateful that he was there at the moment, because if he wasn't in the airport that day, my dad probably wouldn't be alive anymore," said Brith Jensen.

The 66-year-old is retired, but active. Jensen enjoys boating, biking and traveling the world with his wife of 40 years.

His daughter said he's found a new appreciation for life, and this holiday season, he's giving a very special thank you to an Australian nurse and a Miami flight attendant. "He's so healthy now, and he's doing perfect, and he's a happy man. He appreciates his life more now," said Brith.

Jensen sent Rafferty the word "Tak," which means thank you, on an engraved heart. The consul general of Denmark read Jensen's letter. "It is usually common knowledge that you only live once. In my case, that is not true. Thanks to you, I got the chance to live twice. Tak, Meghan, Poul Ankjaer," said Jon Rosenthal, Honorary Consul of Denmark.

"It's something that I'm going to always carry with me and to have that connection with someone is extremely special," said Rafferty.

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