GLANDORF, Ohio (WLIO) — The Putnam County Office of Public Safety recognized bystanders, first responders and dispatchers who helped save lives during two recent cardiac arrest emergencies.
The Continental and Riley Township fire departments, along with two dispatchers, received certificates for their response efforts during the emergencies.
Patsy and Carey Arthur of Pandora and Kaitlyn Sybert of Continental were honored for stepping in as bystanders during the separate emergencies and beginning CPR before crews arrived.
The Continental and Riley Township fire departments, along with two dispatchers, received certificates for their response efforts during the emergencies.
Sybert said she and her family were outside on Mother’s Day when they heard their neighbor collapse. Although she has CPR training as an ultrasound technician, she said she had never performed CPR during a real emergency.
“I've never had to do it on a real person before. Never thought I'd have to. But just thinking about his family and what kind of chance I could give him if we did it the right way ... I didn't expect any recognition, of course, but I really do appreciate it. I hope it makes community members want to step up and learn CPR, so that they're not helpless if something were happening to someone they love,” said Sybert.
“You just never know when you'll run into it. It could be a neighbor, family member, a friend, or it could be shopping at your local Walmart. We have AEDs throughout the county at ballparks and churches and other business establishments, so people get that knowledge of how to do it. It can make a big difference in a human life,” said Brian Hilvers, Putnam County EMA director.
The Putnam County Office of Public Safety plans to offer CPR training sessions throughout June. More information is available on the agency’s Facebook page.
