ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog

Get your week off to a great start with some Good Samaritan stories about bystanders using their ASHI and MEDIC First Aid training to come to the aid of someone in an emergency.

MEDIC First Aid instructor Jim Clover of Clover Enterprises Inc. in Riverside, CA let us know about Jane Read and Danna Dye who became heroes just last month.

Before the Norco High School vs Centennial High School football game in Corona, CA on November 5, 2015, a man in the stands suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Danna and Jane, who had taken their CPR training through the Corona/Norco School District, performed CPR and used the district’s recently purchased automated external defibrillator (AED) to render aid.

(Purchasing an AED can make a lifesaving difference at businesses, school districts, fitness centers, or anywhere. Learn more about AEDs and how you can begin an AED program at your place of business by giving us a call at 800.447.3177.)

ASHI instructor and Aquatic Director Amy Basco of the YMCA Lake County Central Branch, Painesville, OH shared a story about how teamwork is essential at an emergency scene. In Amy’s words, on the morning of May 11, 2015:

“Gail Walker and John Speck were working in our Healthy Lifestyles Center. One of our members, Joe, was working out on a recumbent elliptical trainer when he suddenly collapsed and fell to the floor. Gail responded first and upon finding him unresponsive and not breathing, set the Chain of Survival in motion. Together, John and Gail were able to untangle Joe from the equipment.

EMS was activated. Kevin Sraj retrieved the AED. John began compressions while Gail and Kevin applied the AED. I arrived and took over ventilations. The AED delivered a shock and we resumed CPR as EMS arrived.

As they took over and reassessed, Joe began to breathe on his own and was transported to the hospital.

We heard back from Joe's family later that day after he underwent a heart catheterization and angioplasty. The doctor told Joe and his family he would not have survived had it not been for the CPR and use of the AED when he collapsed.

Having completed a cardiac rehab program, Joe has recently returned to the Y to resume his workout routine."

Wonderful job to all our heroes! Our instructors and students make us proud every single day.

Have a success story to share? Nominate a Good Samaritan today!