First Aid Corps

Two Kent Police officers responded to a report of a bicyclist lying in the road at about 3:09 p.m. Sunday in the 25400 block of Lake Fenwick Road, according to a Kent Police media release.

It was initially thought that the cyclist had been struck by a car, but reportedly he had collapsed while riding.

Officer Jeff Kluzak arrived within two minutes after the call and found the man unconscious. Following a quick medical assessment, the officer started CPR.

Moments later, officer Doug Westcott arrived to help. In an effort to revive the unresponsive man, an AED carried in the police car was used to deliver a shock to the man’s heart.

Paramedics then arrived and through the combined efforts of all the responders, the man was successfully revived. He was later transported to Valley Medical Center in Renton for further treatment.

This marked the first successful application of an AED by Kent Police since the units were initially deployed last month in each patrol car.

“All of us are very pleased that our officers were able to use their judgment, training, and equipment to save a life,” Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan said.

The “Echo”-level dispatch came in at 8:21 a.m. Feb. 3: a 31-year-old man was unconscious and not breathing outside the Eastern Propane company.

John Cocarus the Survivor with Brandon Kimbrough the Saviour

Sitting in a meeting room at police headquarters, Officer Brandon Kimbrough heard the call and sprung into action. “Echo” level is the highest-priority medical call. He jumped in his cruiser and sped to the scene in seconds.

Like all city cruisers, Kimbrough’s is equipped with an automated external defibrillator.

He was going to need it.

The first emergency responder on scene, Kimbrough found Eastern Propane employee John Cocarus sprawled out on the ground, with a fellow employee performing CPR.

He lugged over the AED, hooked up the electrodes to his chest, and punched the shock button.

Seconds later, an ambulance arrived and whisked Cocarus away; he soon became responsive.

The shock Kimbrough administered was credited with saving Cocarus’ life. It allowed the Farmington resident to celebrate his 32nd birthday in March and earn a new appreciation for his family — including his four daughters.

On Sunday, Cocarus finally met the officer whose quick thinking and proper training prevented a tragedy.

“I don’t how else to thank you,” he told Kimbrough after shaking hands at police headquarters.

“It’s what we do,” the officer responded.

Cocarus arranged the meeting after he recovered enough to get back to work and exercise. Doctors said he went into cardiac arrest that day because he was severely dehydrated. They implanted a defibrillator to guard against another episode.

Accompanying him Sunday were his wife, Crystele, and daughters Madison, 13, Skyler, 8, Sydney, 4, and Reese, 1. His mother, Trudy, and father, Larry, also came.

“I’m just thankful … that the kids will have a father growing up,” said Crystele.

“It’s a good Mother’s Day present,” Trudy added.

Sgt. Jason Thomas said Kimbrough’s actions showed how much of a professional he is.

“We’re proud of him,” Thomas said.

A five-year veteran of the Rochester police force, Kimbrough credited his training for guiding his actions that day. He was humbled by Cocarus and his family’s gratitude.

Cocarus said he is working out and eating right to keep his heart healthy.

When he got out of the hospital, he said he realized how important his family is to him. Playing soccer and riding bikes with his children took on an added significance.

“That’s all I got is my family,” he said. “It puts things into perspective.”

On the night of what has become known as “the flood of 2010″ police received a call of a possible heart attack at 90 Van Dam Ave. that Sunday evening. When police arrived they found Henry “Hank” Den Dulk unresponsive.

Police Chief Joseph Borell said one officer began compression and another began administering oxygen.

Another officer started the defibrillator work and luckily the defibrillator was able to administer the shock, which it does not always do.

Officers were able to switch off with the compression work, which is exhausting, he said.

“I don’t know how I would just recognize three or four officers because they all chipped in,” said Borell. “I don’t think anyone can realize what it’s like to save a life unless you’ve done it. I’m very proud of them.”

Each officer received Den Dulk’s undying and heartfelt gratitude.

FOUR months ago, crewmates Andy Millar, Anthony Cooke-Yarborough and Pieter van Vrede were in the boat with Vince Kerrigan when he started to complain of heartburn.

Vince Kerrigan (left) the Survivor

Mr Millar, who was trained as a doctor, realised something was seriously wrong.

He said: “I grabbed his wrist and was horrified to feel a rapidly fading pulse and a cold, clammy feel to his skin.”

The crew hauled him on to the bank and tried to keep him alive with cardiac massage until emergency crews could arrive.

Mr Kerrigan added: “I cannot remember any of this, but I dread to think who was giving me the kiss of life.

“The next thing I remember is being in the ambulance. I felt fine and cracked a joke about wanting something to eat.”

Only emergency first aid from lifeboatmen who rushed to the scene brought him back to life.

He said: “I was officially dead. I owe my life to the RNLI who came to my rescue. Thanks to their defibrillator, they got my heart working again.”

He was in hospital for just 48 hours after his collapse. Medics told him his heart was fine, and the problem had been with a separate major artery.

Within a month he was back at work, and within two months he was back training on the water.