Local R12-152 Members Help Save Man’s Life During Lunch
September 14, 2010
While eating lunch during a break in recent contract negotiations, Local R12-152 President Mike Atwell, Vice President Eric Van Sant and Chief Shop Steward Mike Romero quickly sprang to action when a man suffered a heart attack in an adjoining room.
During their meal, a waitress approached the group, including NAGE Chief Negotiator Dick Anderson, to apologize for a delay with their food. The waitress informed them that the victim, Bernie Hunt of Las Vegas, had collapsed in the function room and an ambulance was on the way.
“As soon as they heard there was a heart attack victim in the restaurant, all three men quickly ran over and evaluated the scene,” said Anderson. “When they first reached the victim they couldn’t find a pulse and immediately began administering CPR.”
Hunt regained a pulse and was semiconscious when firefighters with the San Bernardino County Fire Department arrived with an ambulance.
“It was just amazing to witness,” said Anderson. “Here we are eating lunch during contract negotiations and three members of our bargaining team are just up and running to save a man’s life.”
The actions of these quick thinking EMS professionals were also heralded by local authorities.
“Bystander CPR really helped in this situation,” Ryan Beckers, spokesperson with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, told local media. “Brain damage can occur within six minutes, so if you can get the heart pumping in any way shape or form before that, the possibility for a positive outcome is much, much greater.”