Life saving awards presented to co-workers

Ron Burrdick with his co-workers and responding paramedics at the awards ceremony. From left, Chris Bailey, paramedic, Leland Splitter, paramedic, Ron Burrdick, Paul Reedy, Eric Davis and James McKenzie, VCAD director. Chad Boswell was not able to attend the ceremony. Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

Nevada Daily Mail

On July 15 at about 7:12 a.m., Ron Burrdick went into sudden cardiac arrest while at work at American Standard Brands. Fortunately for Burrdick, about three weeks earlier American Standards had given the staff CPR-AED and first aid training.

Because of this training and the actions of his co-workers -- Paul Reedy, Eric Davis and Chadd Boswell -- Burddick survived his heart attack.

James McKenzie, VCAD director, presents award to Eric Davis.

"This is frequently not the case, because for every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation the chances of survival decreases by 7-10 percent," Vernon County Ambulance District Director James McKenzie said during the awards ceremony prior to a VCAD board meeting.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's website, "an automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm. If needed, it can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.

"Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs.

McKenzie presents Paul Reedy his plaque.

"Using an AED on a person who is having a SCA may save the person's life.

AEDs are lightweight, battery-operated, portable devices that are easy to use. Each unit comes with instructions, and the device will even give you voice prompts to let you know if and when you should send a shock to the heart.

"Learning how to use an AED and taking a CPR course are helpful. However, if trained personnel aren't available, untrained people also can use an AED to help save someone's life.

"You often find AEDs in places with many people, such as shopping malls, golf courses, businesses, airports, airplanes, casinos, convention centers, hotels, sports venues, and schools. You also can purchase a home-use AED.

"Ninety-five percent of people who have SCA die from it -- most within minutes. Rapid treatment of SCA with an AED can be lifesaving."

Locally VCAD's Tina Werner, said she knows of 26 AED's that were purchased through the ambulance district. They are at all of the Nevada schools, the courthouse, Cottey College, YMCA, the municipal golf course, and the Nevada Police Department has two.