NDSU nursing grad honored by Minnesota State Patrol for her help during a crisis

MINNEAPOLIS (KVRR) – A Minneapolis woman stepped up in a huge way to help those in need. Emily Kunkel, a nurse who graduated from NDSU in 2021, was on the road when she saw two state troopers performing CPR at a crash scene on December 6.

She helped out with five victims in the crash.

After letting them know she is a nurse, she began to help out with chest compressions. Kunkel was given the Meritorious Citizenship Award in February for assisting the troopers and contributing to the victims’ chances of survival.

“I wasn’t expecting that validation because when I help someone I didn’t go into this, not just a career but this vocation I went into this to help people not expecting anything in return.” said Kunkel.

After more first responders arrived, she was asked to assist with the other victims in the crash. Kunkel says her time in the NDSU nursing program helped her prepare for emergency situations.