Mark Vollmar, Muncie, IN – 41 at time of event (1998)
Mark Vollmar, an off duty policeman, was on his way to the store to buy a birthday present for his eldest son, Nicholas. His younger son, Christopher, came along for the ride, but he didn’t enjoy the trip at all. They were cruising down the busy street when Mark collapsed at the wheel, his foot stuck on the gas pedal. Christopher was pinned down, but Nicholas quickly turned the ignition off and the car coasted onto the front lawn of a nearby church.
Witnesses grabbed their cell phones to call 9-1-1m and a motorist flagged down a police cruiser. Two off duty nurses came over and began CPR.
Daniel Habn, the Delaware County police officer waved down, responded with his first use of an AED. It was a mere three minutes before the first shock was administered. Two more shocks and Mark’s pulse returned. The EMTs arrived soon after and transported Mark to hospital and he was discharged after one week.
The following month the mayor of Muncie gave the keys to Daniel and the Vollmar boys at a special ceremony at city hall. The mayor now knows the value of a community AED program,as do the Vollmar family.