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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth Communications Office
Mayor Roger J. Reinert
411 West First Street • Duluth, Minnesota 55802 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information, please call 218-730-5309
DATE: 6/14/2010
SUBJECT: Good samaritans to receive Lifesaver Award
BY: Pakou Ly

Good samaritans to receive Lifesaver Award

 

Two individuals, Samantha Greensky and Dennis Kiesel, will receive Lifesaver Awards on June 16, 2010 for their courageous efforts to help save a life. 

 

On the evening of Wednesday, May 19, 2010, Todd Witte was at Country Lanes Volleyball Courts in the midst of a game with his team. In an instant, Todd collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest. At 8:48 p.m., the Duluth Fire Department No. 7 Engine stationed in Duluth Heights responded to a report of a “48 year old unconscious male”. While in route to the scene, the Fire Department crew was informed by another call that the patient had stopped breathing but CPR was in progress.

 

Within three minutes, No. 7 Engine arrived at the scene to find Ms. Greensky and Mr. Kiesel performing CPR. Duluth firefighters used their semi-automatic external defibrillator to administer a shock to Todd.  After a single shock was delivered, both individuals continued assisting with CPR. Shortly after delivery of the shock, and continued CPR, Todd began to breathe on his own and partially regained consciousness. Todd was taken by ambulance to the hospital and underwent surgery.   

 

Both Ms. Greensky and Mr. Kiesel had been trained in CPR and acted quickly. Without their immediate recognition and intervention, the outcome would have been very different. Today, Todd Witte is doing well and grateful to the two people who gave him another chance to enjoy life with his loving wife and kids.     

 

Citizens are a key part of the “chain of survival” for those that suffer sudden cardiac arrest. This chain includes:

 
  1. Calling 911 immediately
  2. Starting CPR early on, as provided by Ms. Greensky and Mr. Kiesel
  3. Using a defibrillation device to restart the heart functions
  4. Get early advanced care by EMS personnel
 

Duluth Fire Chief John Strongitharm stresses the importance of recognizing an emergency and activating the 911 system. People should learn CPR and make sure that if a defibrillation device is available, use it. Most importantly, timing is critical. People should take swift action as Ms. Greensky and Mr. Kiesel did.

 

Ms. Greensky and Mr. Kiesel will be honored by Duluth Fire Chief John Strongitharm with Lifesaver Awards on June 16 at 6:45 PM. The awards will be presented at Country Lanes. 

 

The Lifesaver Award is given by the City of Duluth to citizens who have demonstrated acts of courage and impacted the lives of others.

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