Rep. Becky Carney returned to the House Tuesday and thanked the lifesavers who helped resuscitate her after a cardiac arrest on April 2.

"I want to thank these men behind me," Carney told a news conference, "from the bottom of my still-beating heart."

Carney, a Charlotte Democrat, helped Mira Batchelor, of the American Red Cross, award a certificate of recognition to:

-- Mark Fleming, a lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, who moved Carney from her desk where she was slumped over and laid her on the floor, which allowed shallow breathing.

-- Rep. Bob England, an Ellenboro Democrat and retired physician, who diagnosed a cardiac arrest and helped perform CPR

-- General Assembly police officers Will Smith, Willie Morris and Sgt. Forrest Johnson, who assisted with CPR and an automated defibrilator.

"Their actions," Batchelor said, "exemplify the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress."

Carney thanked them again from the House floor and received a standing ovation to welcome her back.

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