Individuals at a local gym took quick action to save a life.
A release from the City of Cortland Fire Department stated that during the evening of Feb. 15, CrossFit Cortland on Main Street was in the middle of a workout session when an individual “suffered a medical emergency.”
The release stated that the individual, a male in his 60s, dropped to the floor. CrossFit co-owner Quentin Giles came to the conclusion that the male was suffering from cardiac arrest, which means his heart was no longer working effectively.
Giles, an off-duty student resource officer (SRO) from Homer Elementary, immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the subject. Kristi Marcellus and Holly Mulvaney provided assistance, while Nick Mrozowski retrieved the gym’s automated external defibrillator (AED) and called 911.
The release continued by saying the AED was applied to the male patient and indicated that a shock was needed. The crew handling the CPR delivered the shock and continued until the AED detected a pulse.
Emergency medical service responders dispatched within minutes of the 911 call, and were on scene in about two minutes. By that time, multiple individuals greatly improved the man’s chances of survival.
The release noted that city fire officials were told that the male patient is headed towards a full recovery and should be released from the hospital soon.
Amanda Giles, also an owner of CrossFit Cortland, indicated that the gym’s AED was one of the first purchases when the gym opened a few years ago. Giles noted that her entire staff is trained in CPR and AED use.
“We at the Cortland Fire Department commend their actions during this event, as well as the planning and preparation that occurred in the years leading up to it,” noted in the release.
