If you found one of your co-workers lying on the ground with no pulse, could you respond quickly and save their life?
It is a nightmare scenario but one that faced Bruce McBride, a maintenance supervisor at Resolute’s newsprint mill in Augusta, Georgia. Bruce came around a corner at the mill and found his co-worker James Johnson lying on the ground and not moving. Bruce’s training as a former member of the mill’s ERT team kicked in and he activated the emergency alarm and quickly began CPR procedures. He continued chest compressions for five minutes until members of the mill’s ERT team arrived. A team member took over from Bruce until the local paramedics arrived.
On June 7th, the Augusta Area American Red Cross recognized Bruce and the Augusta mill ERT team for their work in saving James’ life that day. They were awarded the organization’s prestigious EMT Hero Award for their efforts and actions that contributed to their co-worker’s survival.
Each year, the American Red Cross hosts an annual Heroes Breakfast to celebrate the heroes among us; “the men and women in our community that have gone above and beyond in showing courage, dedication and extraordinary character through acts of heroism and kindness.” Derrick Lindgren, mill manager, added, “We’re extremely proud of Bruce and our entire ERT team for their contributions in saving the life of their co-worker by putting their heads together and applying what they learned through their ERT training.”
To hear Bruce describe his response to his co-worker’s distress, click here. And remember, CPR training saves lives!
Photo caption: left to right (front) Jay Smith, Keith Scarboro, James Johnson and Lester Ellis; (back) Bruce McBride, Kalum Weaver, Scott Bussey, Shawn Myers and Patrick Bentley
