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IPSWICH — A local teen is thanking employees at Dunkin’ for coming to his aid after he experienced a health scare at the shop earlier this month.
Jacob Leyendecker, a 17-year-old rising junior at Ipswich High School, said he began feeling lightheaded and nauseous while inside the Lord Square eatery on the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 6.
Leyendecker had just ordered a drink and sat down at a table when the symptoms began.
“I remember telling Caitlyn that I didn’t feel good and something was wrong,” he said. “She grabbed a water out of the refrigerator and immediately came over to help.”
Assistant Manager Caitlyn Smith stayed with Leyendecker as his condition worsened.
The next thing he remembers is waking up surrounded by emergency personnel.
“I was out for a good seven minutes,” Leyendecker said.
He was transported by ambulance to Beverly Hospital, where he remained under observation for the rest of the day.
“The doctor said it might have been a heat stroke or exhaustion,” he said. “It was hot and I hadn’t eaten or drank anything that morning.”
Fortunately, Leyendecker was able to return home later that evening.
In the aftermath of the scare, he wanted to recognize Smith for how she responded.
“She stayed calm, made sure I was safe, and provided compassionate support during a very frightening experience,” he said.
Though admittedly allergic to the spotlight, Smith told the Local News that she was simply focused on keeping Leyendecker safe until help arrived.
“It was just something I had to do,” she said.
Leyendecker also credited the rest of the Dunkin’ management team and staff for their response that afternoon.
He said he decided to share his experience with the Local News because he felt their efforts deserved some public recognition.
“I believe their actions deserve to be recognized, and I hope this story reminds others of the positive impact that caring people can have in our community,” Leyendecker said.
