BRADLEY COUNTY Emergency Medical Service recognized three individuals for their lifesaving efforts with a local resident who suffered a heart attack in January while exercising at the Cleveland Family YMCA. From left are Kevin Farris of the YMCA, Jill Crisp of SkyRidge Physical Therapy, Charles and Shirley Lusk, Dr. Jerry DeVane of SkyRidge Medical Center, and Lewis Merriman and Stan Clark of BCEMS. Banner photo, GREG KAYLOR
Lusk collapsed and went into cardiac arrest, according to Stan Clark, Bradley County Emergency Medical Service paramedic and spokesman.
Kevin Farris of the YMCA and Jill Crisp of SkyRidge Physical Therapy “sprang into action and began life-saving efforts.”
And there was a doctor in the house.
“Dr. Jerry DeVane heard on the intercom a call for help,” Clark said.
A small awards ceremony was held at the Cleveland YMCA Thursday afternoon to recognize DeVane, Crisp and Farris.
DeVane is no stranger to the world of emergency situations, working with BCEMS and other emergency service agencies at urgent-care scenes to save many lives throughout the years.
“He heard the call for help over the intercom and went to assist. There was an AED on site that was quickly attached to Mr. Lusk. He was ‘shocked’ one time before EMS arrived and had regained a heartbeat,” explained Clark.
Paramedics and emergency medical technicians arrived on the scene and took over.
Clark said Lusk was flown to Erlanger Medical Center for treatment and has since made a full recovery.
“The Community Hero Award Program was started by Bradley County EMS to recognize citizens when they take the time to ‘get involved’ and as a result of doing so (they save) someone’s life. It’s important for people to be recognized and thanked for their heroic actions. Getting involved can save lives,” Clark emphasized.
“A key issue that we really want to get out to the public is the importance of CPR and early defibrillation. There are more and more AEDs accessible to the public, and they do save lives.”
Some of the larger churches, malls, fire trucks, ambulances and other places have AEDs in place for emergency use.
According to Clark, Lusk was grateful to the people who “stepped up” to give him a second chance in life.
