A Suffolk woman is alive today because of her husband’s quick thinking and knowledge of basic lifesaving measures.

Brandy Futrell, 25, was struck by lightning at about 4:34 a.m. on Sunday outside her home in the 7000 block of Ruritan Boulevard, according to Suffolk spokesperson Debbie George.

Joel Futrell told rescue workers that he and his wife had been letting their dogs out Sunday morning. He had turned to enter the house, when he saw a bright flash and heard a loud bang, according to emergency workers’ reports. When he turned, Futrell saw his wife on the ground.

When he reached his wife, Futrell found that she was not breathing and that she had no pulse, police said. He called 911 and initiated CPR. When fire and rescue arrived on the scene, they found Brandy Futrell awake and alert, breathing on her own, George said Monday.

Brandy Futrell told paramedics that she had grabbed the metal fence to close the gate at the time of the lightning strike.

She was transported to Sentara Obici Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials said Monday afternoon that she had been discharged.