Thankful: Officers Save Woman

November 25, 2010

This Thanksgiving, Escambia resident Helen Clark, 55, has a lot to be thankful for, and she’s thanking local law enforcement officers for the gift of life.

About 7:30 Tuesday evening, Deputies Jason Comans and Ryan Robinson joined Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Josh Tucker and Corporal Michael Tucker for a meal break at Smokey’s Restaurant located on Pensacola Blvd.

Their meal was quickly interrupted when they noticed a female, later identified as Clark, pass out and fall to the floor.

As the deputies and troopers rushed over to administer first aid, they noticed that Clark was not breathing and didn’t have a pulse. Deputy Comans and Trooper Tucker immediately began CPR while Deputy Robinson rushed out to his patrol vehicle and retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

An AED is a small, lightweight device used to assess a person’s heart rhythm. If necessary, it administers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Built-in computers assess the patient’s heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed, and administer an appropriate level of shock. Audible and/or visual prompts guide the user through the process.

Deputy Robinson applied the AED to Clark’s chest and was prompted to continue CPR. Deputy Robinson gave Clark rescue breaths while Trooper Tucker performed chest compressions. A shock was then administered by the AED. The officers continued CPR and by the time Escambia County EMS arrived, Clark had a pulse and was breathing on her own.

Clark, now conscious and alert, was able to thank these officers before being transported to Sacred Heart Hospital for treatment.

“Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies are trained yearly in First Aid, CPR and the use of AED’s. The time and expense it takes to train all our deputies paid off,” said Chris Welborn, public information officer for the ECSO. “Sheriff (David) Morgan is very proud of the deputies involved in this incident and hopes Helen Clark fully recovers and enjoys this holiday season with her family and friends.”

Comments

10 Responses to “Thankful: Officers Save Woman”

  1. George W Robinson on January 24th, 2011 4:36 pm

    That’s my Son! As a former deputy, I know what these guys go through. Awesome job guys. Thanks Ryan , you make mr proud!!!

  2. downanout on November 27th, 2010 9:03 pm

    May god bless you for your kindness and help.

  3. Julia W. on November 27th, 2010 1:20 pm

    Way to go Officers. I am glad to see that all the training was paid for by this one time of saving a life. I hope Ms. Clark enjoyed her Thanksgiving. She has a lot of things to be thankfull for. I hope if I ever need an officer that it is one that is trained as well as you three are.

  4. Just An Old Soldier on November 26th, 2010 11:13 am

    Great job, LEOs and you too William for reporting this!

  5. brewtonchic on November 25th, 2010 10:58 pm

    Thanks for sharing this story. Another example of a job well done by the Escambia Co., FL law enforcement officers!

  6. JUDY MASEK on November 25th, 2010 10:08 pm

    im so proud of these guys…so proud!!!

  7. Angi on November 25th, 2010 10:03 pm

    What a wonderful story, I am so glad that the officers could revive this poor woman. I do hope that she will be alright…

  8. homebody on November 25th, 2010 3:17 pm

    Great story!!!!

  9. Horiffic! on November 25th, 2010 8:00 am

    WOW

    Thanks William for putting that one on the boards….

    What a wonderful story to wake up to….

    Happy Thanksgiving Every One….

  10. molino jim on November 25th, 2010 7:06 am

    GREAT JOB BY ALL INVOLVED—THANKS A MILLION.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News