My Son Was My Heartbeat Until EMS Arrived

2015 Nominees – Lori Mullen and Robert Mullen III Survivor – Robert Mullen, Cincinnati, OH, 53 at time of event (June 27, 2013) Location of event – Home On June 27, 2013, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and died. For those who do not know, sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by a blockage, whereas sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system… Read More

Immediate CPR Before EMS Arrival Was the Reason for Joe's Survival

2015 Nominees – Josh and Jess Devou Survivor – Joe Devou, Levant, Maine, 49 at time of event (February 16, 2015) Location of event – Home I am writing to nominate my son and daughter for the People Saving People Award. On February 16, 2015, my husband suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in our home. Fortunately, due to a swift response from both of my children, he is still alive today. My daughter… Read More

If You Can Fight, Mom, I Want You to Fight

2015 Nominees – Bryce and Tony Smithlin Survivor Kyra Smithlin, Puyallup, Washington, 37 at time of event (December 15, 2012) Location of event – Home The reason why I think Bryce and Tony deserve recognition is because of many reasons. Not only did they save my life, but in a scary situation for not only my husband but for my little 9-year-old son, they worked as a team and I'm so proud of… Read More

It's A Miracle from God, My Husband, Son, and the Dispatcher That I Am Here Today

2015 Nominee – Scott Bertolotto Survivor – Alysha Bertolotto, Custer, South Dakota, 37 (September 21, 2014) Location of event – Home I believe my husband is worthy of the People Saving People Award because he's a great example of an everyday Joe, who could and should know what to do in the event of an emergency. I have a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and so I have an ICD (… Read More

Without a Doubt, My Wife Saved My Life

2015 Nominee – Kathie Brauchla Survivor – Gary Brauchla, Pearce, Arizona, 68 at time of event (September 29, 2012) Location of event – Home If it weren’t for my wife, Kathie Brauchla, September 29, 2012, would have been the date etched on my tombstone. I was asleep in my rural home in Pearce, Arizona, about 90 miles from Tucson when I went into cardiac arrest at age 68. Kathie was awoken by my… Read More

I Can Think of No More Important Role Than to Save Someone's Life

2015 Nominee – Billy Griggs Survivor – Paul Wylie, Charlotte, NC, 50 at time of event (April 21, 2015) Location of event – Outdoor running workout My name is Paul Wylie. I am a husband, father of three young children, a coach, and figure skater. As an Olympic Silver medalist, I know well what it means to work hard, really hard. I have performed in countless high-pressure situations. Yet, I can… Read More

A Stranger Did Not Hesitate to Come to My Aid

2015 Nominee – Roland Duran Survivor – Bob Reed, Port Aransas, TX, 64 at time of event (February 13, 2015) Location of event  – Beach My name is Bob Reed. I am 64-years-old, and I am lucky to be alive. On February 13, 2015, I experienced cardiac arrest while walking on the beach in Port Aransas, Texas, while I was walking my dogs. Port Aransas is our winter home for my wife and me when we are… Read More

My Daughter Saved My Life That Day

2015 Nominee – Jordan Arnett  Survivor – Jeff Arnett, 46, Moorpark, California, 46 at time of event (February 16, 2014) Location of event – Home My name is Jeff Arnett. I am 46-years-old and a cardiac arrest survivor. On February 16, 2014, I had a cardiac arrest and my 17-year-old daughter found me and saved my life. I would like to nominate my daughter, Jordan Arnett, for the 2015 People… Read More

I Owe My Life to Mike for His Quick Actions

2015 Nominee – Mike Vanneman Survivor – Ira Gura, San Jose, CA, 76 at time of event (April 19, 2015) Location of event – Airport My name is Ira Gura, and I am 76-years-old. On April 19th of this year, my wife and I flew from LAX to San Jose, CA, to visit our daughter and her family. Just before we left for the trip, I felt a strange pain in the center of my back and was slightly nauseous. Since… Read More

Colleagues Provided CPR and Used an AED Before EMS Arrived

2015 Nominees – Mike Pitt, Terence Ryan, Robert Lynn, and Andrew Samour Survivor – Neil O'Toole, New York, NY, 57 at time of event (June 15, 2015) Location of event – Workplace I am pleased to nominate the following team from the New York, NY Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility for the People Saving People award: controller, Mike Pitt; traffic management coordinator, Terence (… Read More