I would like to express my appreciation for the Citizens Hose EMS crew and director Jim Erb. They were recently honored at a Harrison Township meeting for their lifesaving efforts (“Harrison emergency crews lauded for saving 2 lives,” March 2, TribLIVE). I am extremely grateful that our township has a well-trained crew that can respond in emergency situations.
One of the lives they saved was my wife’s. The quick response by Harrison Police and Citizen Hose EMS is what helped her survive a cardiac incident. From the time I called 911 until the first officer arrived, only six minutes passed. A minute later EMS arrived.
It was a team effort that saved her life. I called 911 and started CPR compressions. The officer that arrived immediately took over CPR compressions. When the EMS crew arrived, one crew member began compressions and the other prepared the AED defibrillator . They were able to get her in a state that she was able to survive the ambulance ride to the hospital.
I urge people to learn CPR. I was fortunate that my employer offered a CPR training class conducted by Plum EMS Service. I took the training class in September and had to use my training in November. If you intend to take a class, do not put it off till later. Later may be too late.
My wife and I would like to thank everyone involved in our lifesaving experience!
Bob Elliott
Harrison