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Todd Powers’ stepfather, Harvey Latimer, 86, of Ashland City had never seen his granddaughter, Anna, play in a high school game.

Sherri Manners the Saviour

“We were getting ready to take him home, but he got exhausted coming up the stairs,” Todd Powers said.

Thanks to the quick response of registered nurse Sherri Manners, who teaches at CCCHS and was working the ticket table, Latimer was set on a life-saving path.

“I got him to sit down, and said we’d get him a wheelchair to get to the car,” Manners said. “But then I said to call EMS because I didn’t like the way he looked.”

She also quickly alerted Cheatham County constable Fred Biggs, who was working the game to see if any medical personnel were available to help if needed.

“When I came back, he didn’t look good,” she said. “We got him on the floor. I couldn’t find a pulse, and he wasn’t breathing. So, I began to do CPR.”

CCCHS principal Glenna Barrow ran to get the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which was housed in the school’s cafeteria.

“I ran so fast I could feel my knees start to give out, so I tossed the AED to (Cheatham County EMS director) James (Gupton),” Barrow said.

Manners said that once they got the AED attached to Latimer, it said to resume chest compression.

Latimer was taken to Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, where it was determined that he had the beginnings of pneumonia, as well as some issues with heart rhythm.

He had a pacemaker put in on Jan. 11 and is recuperating at Hillcrest Healthcare Center in Ashland City for two weeks.

“As scary as it was, it turned out to be a good thing because he’s in much better shape afterward,” Powers said. “The ER doctor said his blood pressure had bottomed out. It could have happened anytime. And having the AED on him helped. This was the perfect place for him to get taken care of.”

The Powers family had nothing but praise for how the situation was handled.

Barrows, who had taught both Anna and her older sister, Hannah, when they were students at Pegram Elementary School, was there to comfort Anna.

Thinking back on that day, Manners recalls how everything fell into place.

“I had just signed up earlier in the day to work the ticket table and was told they had enough people, but I decided to stick around just in case I was needed,” she said.

Powers noted that Latimer wasn’t going to come to the game.

“He felt he couldn’t sit that long because of back issues, and so I showed him I had a stadium chair,” he said. “The actions of these people saved his life.”

After everything settling down, Manners said she stepped away briefly to cry.

On Feb. 19, 2011, she performed CPR on her father.

“He was gone,” she said, adding that she lost three family members last year.

Manners teaches six classes in health science occupation, a program designed to provide an introductory overview of the basics. Instruction includes working with an AED trainer kit, which is a slightly smaller version of the actual AED used by each of Cheatham County’s public schools.

As for one of the most often overlooked instructions for those using the AED, Manners has some practical advice.

“You have to remember to turn it on,” she said.

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Richmond-Burton High School athletic trainer Julianne Stewart administered a shock to the Poplar Grove man with an automated external defibrillator – one of four the school has on premises. He had suffered a heart attack and collapsed face forward about 7:15 p.m., just before half time, school and emergency officials said.

“Julianne Stewart had the wherewithal to get the AED and … she delivered a shock to revive the gentleman,” Richmond Township Fire Protection District Chief Rick Gallas said. “By the time we got there, he was breathing and starting to talk.”

A Richmond emergency crew took the man, whose name was not released, to Centegra Hospital – McHenry.

Gallas also credited Belvidere Police Department Deputy Chief Dave Ernst, a father who was in the stands for his daughter’s basketball game, for performing CPR on the man before Stewart came over with the defibrillator.

“Dave determined that [the man] was not breathing; he was turning purple, and did CPR on him,” he said.

Richmond-Burton Principal Tom DuBois said the incident was a bit frightening, but that everyone involved responded appropriately and everyone was happy about the positive outcome.

“His son and daughter-in-law just stopped by to thank us,” DuBois said Wednesday morning. “They were on their way to the hospital to go see him. … He appears to be doing OK.”

Gallas said the quick response should greatly benefit the man’s recovery.

“It just goes to show the value of CPR and the use of an AED in the field,” said Gallas, who added that the fire department will present both Ernst and Stewart with a life safety award.

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At least that’s what Hungerbuhler, 42, thought was happening.

Sam Hungerbuhler the Survivor

“I was sitting there watching the kids going to the ceiling, but at the same time I was like ‘Why are the kids going to the ceiling?’”

That was Hungerbuhler, 5-foot-5-inches tall and 160 pounds, passing out from a heart attack.

Hungerbuhler, a respiratory therapist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite, was in luck.

His wife, Trish, is a nurse at Children’s and knew that Queen of Angels is equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED) machine that tells users how many shocks are needed while medics are dispatched.

The game stopped, and game attendees stood around the edge of the basketball court saying prayers.

Another nurse helped with CPR — Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“She was doing the compressions and my wife was doing the mouth-to-mouth,” Hungerbuhler said.

The nurse’s husband, an anesthesiologist, held his jaw open.

“After the shock, the machine said keep doing the compression,” said Hungerbuhler. “The machine told them what they needed to be doing.”

Queen of Angels nurses Robin Spinner and Rae Ann Gruver were responsible for ensuring the AED batteries and pads were updated regularly.

“These roles are typical, crucial ones played by school nurses,” said Sheila Vahey, Johns Creek Cluster Nurse for Fulton County Schools. “If the AED is not properly maintained, it won’t work in an emergency when a life is on the line.”

Hungerbuhler is grateful to have had a heart attack at a school equipped with life-saving gear. Hungerbuhler’s right coronary artery had been completely blocked. He said he knew his family has a history of heart attacks, but he never thought it would happen to him.

“I never had chest pains, I was in good shape, I exercised and didn’t think it would happen to me,” he said.

All the physicians and nurses who treated him said he was “lucky.”

In the New Year, Hungerbuhler has a fresh outlook on life.

“Being more positive and encouraging other people not to put it away like I did,” he said. “Pay attention to your body, especially if you have a family history.”

His friends have listened and have gone to get checked out.

“I feel great. I guess when you’re used to living with it and it happens over time, you don’t notice it,” Hungerbuhler said. “Now I feel more awake and more aware.”

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John Dobbins was on the sidelines watching his team Steelstown play Faughanval when it is thought he suffered a heart attack.

He is now recovering thanks to a series of “miracles” including the presence of doctors, a defibrillator and a passing ambulance.

Mr Dobbins received medical assistance from two doctors within seconds of collapsing.

They were at the match as spectators and used the club’s defibrillator to keep him alive until an ambulance arrived.

Michael Dobbins, speaking on behalf of John, paid tribute to those who saved his life, saying: “I would like to extend sincere thanks to all who came to John’s assistance when he took ill at Sunday’s game at Faughanvale.

“I would like to thank Faughanvale GAA for their quick response and action to the situation.

“A special mention must be given to Jane Carey, John and Artie Kearney, Drs Lee Casey, Dave Flanagan and Mark McCarron, who worked relentlessly with John and kept him alive until the ambulance arrived.

“Because of these people and everyone else who helped, John is in a comfortable and stable condition and making good progress.

Faughanvale club chairman, Eamonn King said every sporting facility should have this life- saving piece of medical equipment.

Mr King said: “We have had a defibrillator at our club for about five years and not every club has them yet, but if ever there was proof that this particular piece of equipment can make a difference in a life-and-death situation then this was it.

“I was on the pitch on Sunday when Mr Dobbins collapsed and the second we realised how serious the situation was, our emergency plan kicked in.

“Miraculously there were two doctors attending the match and another girl with medical training and they were able to administer CPR and, although we do have club members trained in using the defibrillator, on this occasion naturally enough it was the doctors who used it.

“By another miracle, while I was on the phone calling for an ambulance one drove past in the direction of Limavady and I asked if there was any possibility that it could be diverted if it wasn’t on a major emergency.

“Within a few short minutes the ambulance had turned around and was with us and Mr Dobbins was on his way to Altnagelvin Hospital.

“I know defibrillators are expensive. They cost about £1,000 each, but what price do you put on a life? We keep our defibrillator fully charged and easily accessible, not just when there is a match but so that it can be used by anyone.”

“If there is one at the club and it is never needed then that is great, but if you do need it and you have one available then that is even better.

“I would say Mr Dobbins’ family are glad Faughanvale GAA Club had one, but this should be the case in every single sporting facility.”

Dr Dave Flanaghan, Chairman of the Steelstown Club Brian Og’s, backed Mr King’s called for all sports facilities to have the life-saving machines.

He said: “There is no doubt in my mind that the defibrillator helped save John’s life, coupled with the efforts of the Faughanvale members who recognised the value of having trained stewards and maintained equipment.

To the five, and then six, prepared first responders at the game, it was readily apparent that he was having a heart attack.

By the book, early CPR was performed, the AED was administered once and then twice and then advanced life support followed.

Henry’s life was saved.

Before going through quintuple bypass surgery later Thursday night, local assignment secretary Greg Gautreaux said “25 or so” colleagues were at the hospital wishing him well.

“He’s an excellent umpire,” Gautreaux said. “In fact, he had already gotten an assignment to work a state championship game.”

Henry won’t be able to make that call to the Superdome in December after spending Friday recovering in intensive care. But thanks to the heroes surrounding him on the field, he’ll know who’s playing in the game he would have called.

Those who responded included Roy Payne, Dr. Jeff Mire, Troy Delahoussaye, Greg LeBlanc, LHS student trainer Kelci Lyons and LHS health academy instructor Jennifer Morrow.

“From what I understand, he asked the trainer for a cup of water, and then he collapsed,” Gautreaux said.

They saved his life.”

Lyons quickly fetched the defibrillator, while CPR was being done.

“You could tell immediately that he was losing oxygen,” said Payne, who was located in the end zone when he saw Henry fall to the ground. “There was no delay in care. We were breathing for him. We shocked him twice.”

Payne made it clear how important first doing CPR is and then doing to more advanced measures is to proper treatment.
Their heroic efforts were underscored by the fact that the Acadian Ambulance unit scheduled to attend the game was called off to an emergency on its way to the game. They were called again and arrived at the field as the first responders were finishing up their care.

Diane Janski called 911 while others administered CPR. She then comforted Kershner’s grandson and drove him to the hospital, waiting with the boy until his parents arrived. Dean Larkin provided emergency responders with information about Kershner prior to his collapse.

A Cottage Grove officer arrived on the scene roughly two minutes after Janski dialed 911 and restarted Kershner’s heart with an external defibrillator.

Cottage Grove public safety director Craig Woolery said without the quick thinking of the five honored individuals, the outcome of the April incident could have been different.

Kershner, present at the ceremony along with his family, was grateful for their actions.

“I’m sure glad they knew what they were doing,” he said. “And I’m thankful for them very much.”

Two nurses and several other bystanders quickly ran to the man’s aid. One nurse determined that the man had suffered a cardiac arrest and sent another person to the clubhouse to raise the alarm and find a defibrillator.

The nurses, one from each club, promptly began to administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used the defibrillator to revive the man. Soon afterwards, ambulance paramedics arrived at the scene and began treating the patient.

St Joseph’s club secretary Mr Dan O’Connor said: “We are very grateful that there were so many people there to help but we have to compliment the Wolfe Tones club for having such a vital piece of lifesaving equipment when it was needed. Having a defibrillator in a club, as we have ourselves, is absolutely essential and every club in the country should have one.”

The Wolfe Tones club was presented with their defibrillator almost two years ago after money was raised by the students of the nearby St Conaire’s primary school.

Groundsman Mike Kelly, one of those trained to used the defibrillator, said: “I was down at the dressing room end working on the scoreboard when someone came running up looking for the defibrillator. Ours is strategically located so that it can be quickly accessed from the bar area, the dressing rooms or any part of the club. I grabbed it and handed it over and two nurses carried out CPR on the man. It definitely saved that man’s life.”

But two GPs and Simon Bowles, a cardiology specialist nurse from the N&N, were sitting nearby and rushed to his aid.

They carried out life support and used one of Carrow Road’s automated electronic defibrillators, before an ambulance crew took Mr Folkard to hospital.

Mr Folkard said: “I’m extremely grateful for what they did and for all the care I have received in hospital since. I feel very humbled.”

The patient’s brother, Brian, from Upper Stoke, near Poringland, was also at the game, and both are season ticketholders, although Keith now lives near Southend.

Brian said: “Without the help he received at the ground I think we would have been attending his funeral. I cannot fault those guys at all.”

Steve Stapleton the Saviour

Three spectators at the game quickly scooted into action.

Steve Stapleton, 59, of Charlottetown was among the impromptu trio that came to Crozier’s aid.

Trained in CPR (he had his most recent refresher course just last year), Stapleton started performing CPR after Crozier “started turning blue” and a pulse could not be found.

Stapleton did chest compressions on Crozier, a long-time friend, as another man blew air into Crozier’s lungs.

One of those who sprang to help Crozier was cameraman Steve Stepleton of CBC Charlottetown.

While Stapleton performed CPR for “what seemed likes hours” but in reality was more like five minutes, a woman named Rizpah MacPhee ran to get the rink’s defibrillator.

‘”We gave Gordon one jolt and he came around,” Stapleton said. “Then we kept administering the CPR, monitoring his breathing and watching for a pulse, and we just did that, with help from the others, until the EMS arrived and took him to hospital.”

“I don’t know if the ambulance could have got here fast enough for the person to survive, but the defibrillator did its job,” Donna Butler, APM Centre manager, said Monday.

Crozier was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Wade Crozier later reported that his father was resting comfortably at the QEH. Wade offered “many thanks to all who helped out as without your help and the defibrillator at the rink, this would be a very different message.”

Stapleton, a soft-spoken and humble man, wasn’t too eager to be pegged as a hero.

“It wasn’t just me,” he said of the quick response to a life-threatening situation. I was just a part of it. And thank God Gordon is still alive. I have known Gordon for years.”

Steve Stapleton believes everybody should have CPR training.

“You hope you never have to use it but at least if something happens, you know how to use it and it could save somebody’s life,” he said.

The man was helped onto the court surface where the game was stopped and rescue professionals in the stands rushed to his side.

Lenape school resource officer Pat Robey of the Medford Police Department and fellow officer Andy Haggerty, who performs the same duties at Shawnee, were among the first to reach the stricken fan.

Lenape athletic trainer Bill Von Leer ran across the court carrying the portable defibrillator that all Lenape District schools have on-site.

From the stands came Dr. Dave Fischman, who has a son on the Indians’ junior varsity team, and Luann Robertson, a registered nurse.

For close to 10 minutes, the five used all their abilities, including the defibrillator, oxygen and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, to revive the unconscious fan.

Shortly before Medford Police, Medford Emergency Services and the Mobile Intensive Care Unit arrived, the silent gymnasium heard the words: “You’re all right. You’re going to be all right.”

The man regained consciousness and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His identity and condition were unknown Wednesday night.

“It was amazing to be here to watch all these guys do their jobs,” Lenape principal Tony Cattani said. “We’ve had the defibrillators in the district for about five years now. We’ve had people and classes when they graduate donate them to the schools. This is the first time we’ve had to use one here and to my knowledge, none of the other district schools has had to use one. All our administrators are trained with it. Some of our teachers are trained and all of our coaches are trained for it.”

Lenape’s athletic trainer also was pleased with the response.

“It was very nice the way everybody worked together,” Von Leer said. “The two officers, Pat and Andy, and Dr. Fischman and Mrs. Robertson all seemed to know their jobs perfectly. It just worked out really well.”