Employee spotted man ‘lying on grass’—a smart observation and quick response saved a life
Every human being is called to be vigilant and astute, no matter where they are. A normal day at work could unexpectedly turn into an opportunity to save a life. Employees of a fitness center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, got this opportunity when a stranger approached them for help, per WCAX 3. Camp counselor, Elijah Flocke, spotted a man lying unconscious on the grass. When he noticed closely, he realized that something was wrong and immediately rushed to get help. His timely intervention saved the man’s life. The employees are being commended for working as a team and taking efficient and brilliant action to make a difference.
The man recalled how the incident unfolded and the quick detail that made him realize he needed to fetch some serious help. Flocke was at the Carter Community Building Association parking lot when he saw a man lying on the grass. He looked closely and realized that the man was unresponsive. He reportedly even went and tried to grab his hand and shake him but received no communication or movement from his end. He immediately knew there was trouble and ran into the fitness center. “As soon as I saw that something was wrong, I sprinted,” Flocke said.
His first intent was to alert the employees. Those at the front desk jumped into action and started executing their emergency action plan. They took out the defibrillator and rushed towards the man. All employees were trained to respond to such situations, so when the unfortunate event took place, they didn’t hesitate to help. Lebanon Fire Chief Jim Wheatley noted how crucial their quick response was. “For every minute that you go without AED and CPR, your chance of survival drops about 10%,” he explained. The employees didn’t wait; they got into action and the situation was taken under control by the medics.
The man was transported to the hospital, where he underwent an emergency surgery and is well. What was important was the observation and the immediate response thereafter. Marie Derosier, employed at the Association for over two decades, recalled how a similar situation took place years ago. “It was right after the lunchtime of a CPR class I was teaching and I was heading back down. Somebody had collapsed,” she revealed. She was proud to see that the same vigilance was present even today. She commended Flocke for initiating the emergency.
“Elijah did a great job getting it started and then everybody worked together.” The experience left an important message to the employees and to the internet. “You practice, you put it in motion. Everyone did it beautifully and this is the outcome that everybody wants,” Kerry Artman, Executive Director at CCBA, remarked. The employees were honored for their impressive response. This reward was given to thank them for their life-saving service and also to reinforce astute action. Wheatley shared another noteworthy reminder — “You don’t have to be a first responder, you don’t have to be an emergency medical technician, you can make a difference in somebody’s life.”