A quick response from staff and police last week may have saved the life of a Central Michigan University orientation student when she collapsed during an event.
The 17-year-old was participating in a skit on the stage at Warriner Hall when she suddenly collapsed, prompting CMU staff members to “spring into action,” said Lt. Cameron Wassman of the CMU Police Department.
First calling 911 for help, staff members assessed the girl’s vitals, began performing CPR and located an automated external defibrillator in the building before police arrived a few moments later as the AED was analyzing the situation.
Among CMU police officials who responded, Sergeants Riley Olson and Mike Morrow along with officers Bill Martinez and Chris Pryor played a role in the rescue.
It was quick thinking by both staff members and first responders that led to the girl’s resuscitation, Wassman said.
“We arrived quickly but it wasn’t just police; it was a team effort,”Wassman said. “Everyone did exactly what they needed to do and the staff that was there played a major role in reviving her.”
The student was transported to a hospital in Mt. Pleasant then to another in the metro Detroit area where she is recovering, Wassman said.
The orientation event was well-attended and while medical emergencies can happen anywhere, Michelle Howard —CMU’s executive director of academic advising and assistance and who oversees orientation— expressed gratitude that those there took steps to save the 17-year-old.
“Whenever large groups are in attendance, whether at athletic events, concerts or orientation, the possibility always exists for medical emergencies when so many people are present,” she wrote. “It is comforting to know that support is readily available and emergency services can respond quickly. We are very thankful for the help that our community provides in these situations.”
An accessible and nearby AED aided in saving the girl’s life and while not every building on CMU’s campus has one, the majority do; getting one in every building is a goal, Wassman said.
Additionally, all CMU police carry an AED while on patrol, and each officer is trained in its use, as well as in other lifesaving tactics like CPR and first aid, he said.
“Aside from it not happening at all, this really could not have played out any better,” Wassman said. “Everybody did the right thing.”