A dramatic rescue took place earlier this month at the Mel Korum YMCA in South Hill, and the Mountain News is delighted to post the details as presented in this press release from Assistant Chief Ed Hrivnak of the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Department.

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 Central Pierce Fire and Rescue to present lifesaving award to Beverly Eredia and staff of the Mel Korum YMCA:

 Central Pierce Fire and Rescue will be presenting the Citizen Lifesaving Award to the Staff of Mel Korum YMCA for successfully resuscitating a gentleman in cardiac arrest.  The award will be presented Feb 4^th at 6:30 pm at the Puyallup City Council meeting on the 5^th floor of city hall. 

Narrative to accompany award:

 Central Pierce Fire and Rescue is proud to present the citizen lifesaving award to Beverly Eredia and the staff of Mel Korum YMCA. On January 2, 2014 aquatics director Beverly Eredia noticed an older gentlemen that appeared winded after swimming. The man sat down at a bench and Beverly asked if he was okay. The gentleman answered, “Things look a little gray and my hands are tingling.”

 He then asked to lie down. Beverly responded by getting some oxygen to see if that would help.

 While on the floor with oxygen, the man had a seizure and stopped breathing. Beverly sprang into action and directed the staff to get an automatic externaldefibrillator (AED). She quickly assessed the patient and administered two rounds of CPR. Working as a team, the staff placed the AED on the patient and defibrillated him.

 The patient responded and was revived from his cardiac arrest. During this time, staff members called 911, cleared the area around the pool, and directed Central Pierce Fire and Rescue firefighters and medics to the pool area.

 Beverly continued to lead the YMCA team and ensure that the patient was comfortable. 

 When medics arrived they found that the patient was alert, oriented, and in stable condition. He was transported priority to Good Samaritan Hospital where he was treated for a heart attack. The patient is now at home where he is expected to make a full recovery. 

 Hero’s are often seen as firefighters and police. The real hero’s today are Beverly Eredia, Richard Miller, Shon Klapp, Jordan Stedman, Matthew McDonnell, Kirk Willis, Miriam Ellison, and Deb Moran. They stepped outside their regular work and comfort zone, to save the life of fellow human being. This reflects the true nature of being a citizen in our community.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Ed Hrivnak

Assistant Chief of Prevention and Education

Central Pierce Fire and Rescue

Work-253-538-6402

Fax-253-538-6486

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Picture of Beverly Eredia, as submitted by Ed Hrivnak

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