The teamwork included employees who rushed to her aid immediately ahead of the arrival of the EMS squad, police first responders, squad members and the staff at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital.
The summary explains Sauerland had entered work a few minutes early, walked to her desk and collapsed. A co-worker heard her gasp and called on the emergency response team, which began CPR and AED application.
“Upon arrival, the crew from Oxford EMS found patient Karen Sauerland on the floor with no pulse, not breathing and co-workers providing CPR. The patient’s vital signs were checked and an AED shock was administered,” the summary explained. “CPR was resumed and after a few minutes another shock was administered. EMS personnel from Oxford took over and provided advanced cardiac care. She regained a palpable pulse and began breathing.”
At the hospital, it was discovered she had a 99 percent blockage of her right coronary artery.
“Oxford Fire Department and Schneider Electric’s Emergency Response Team exemplify EMS’ role in providing excellent care to patients, as well as showing the importance of teamwork by different agencies,” the Star Award program noted.
Employees of Schneider Electric were presented with certificates from Zoll Medical, the cardiac monitor supplier, an I Saved a Heart pin and a Fire Department Challenge Coin. Those recipients were Elena Moran, Don Sixt, Janet Duncil, Louis Kasperczyk, Debbie Smith, Erica Richardson, Donna Rowe and Chris Brown.
Also recognized were, from the Oxford Police Division, Officer Jacob Hayes and Sergeant Joshua Jenkins, and from the Oxford Fire Department Sarah Hudnall EMT-P, Jeremy Smith EMT-P, Anna Geary EMT-B, Kyle Mashy EMT-B and Johnny Smith EMT-B.
Police chief Jones said Hayes and Jenkins would receive meritorious service awards.
Pam Collins, chief patient services officer at McCullough Hyde, noted hospital staff and EMS representatives had been talking for more than two years about improving community heart health, the kind of equipment needed, the kind of skill sets needed in the community and about having AEDs in community centers.
She said they worked together on a proposal, submitted it to the McCullough Hyde Foundation and received a substantial private gift from a family in the community that wanted to support community heart health initiatives. She presented Life Saving Awards to Anna Geary, Sarah Hudnall, Kyle Mashy, Jeremy Smith, Johnny Smith, Jacob Hayes, Joshua Jenkins, Chris Brown, Janet Duncil, Louis Kasperczyk, Erica Richardson, Donna Rowe and Don Sixt.
Collins also presented a plaque to Schneider Electric and noted she wanted them to proudly display the Life Saving Award at their place business and thanked everyone who participated in this lifesaving event.
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