CALDWELL, Idaho (CBS2) — The Caldwell Fire Department (CFD) and Canyon County Paramedics (CCP) honored several YMCA staff members on Nov. 6, whose quick response saved a man’s life earlier this fall.
The incident occurred when a man fell off equipment. Staff recognized he was in cardiac arrest, initiated CPR and deployed an AED. He was stabilized until first responders arrived.
CFD Chief Shupe, Captain Harris and Captain Smith from CCP presented the honorees with CFD Citizen Hero certificates and special tokens of appreciation.
The recognized YMCA staff include:
- Shellye Wilson, Administrative Assistant, recognized the incident’s seriousness and promptly called the Code.
- Eric Guilliams, Personal Trainer, first arrived, securing the area and ensuring quick access to the victim.
- Dana Dufoe, Healthy Heart and Lung Group Exercise Instructor, immediately began CPR and acted as the first responder.
- Kiersten Lancaster, Aquatics Coordinator, provided essential relief CPR and maintained continuous chest compressions.
- Kaylee Bullard, Senior Head Lifeguard, administered the AED and delivered a shock to help restart the heart.
- Cameron Leonard, Head Lifeguard, administered oxygen and assisted in stabilizing the man until paramedics arrived.
“These YMCA staff members truly embodied what it means to be a Citizen Hero,” said Captain Harris. “Their quick thinking and teamwork in initiating CPR and using the AED directly saved this man’s life. Without their actions, even with the fast response of our first responders, the outcome could have been very different.”