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Oracle Fighter Rocky Ortiz (center) along with brother Zachary (left) and RN Rebecca (right). George, the patient whose life was saved, is at the podium.
Oracle Fighter Rocky Ortiz along with brother Zachary and RN Rebecca were off-duty from their career jobs and each were busy working out at a health and fitness gym last December, when George collapsed while exercising on a treadmill. After moving George to a clear area, Rocky quickly began performing CPR while Zach went to find an AED unit.
CPR along with defibrillation can provide one of the best chances of survival for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Fortunately for George, a well trained group of total strangers knew exactly what to do and they quickly and efficiently put their training and skills to work. George was transported to a nearby hospital emergency room, and what could have been a very tragic event, ended up having a happy ending.
George and his lifesaving group are no longer strangers and a new friendship has been formed. Meeting George along with his wife, and seeing the tremendous gratitude they both have toward Rocky, Zachary and Rebecca was a very heartwarming experience.
The three lifesaving heroes were recognized in Phoenix on June 10 by Arizona Emergency Medical Services (AEMS). Each were presented with a Heart to Heart Award. Approximately 300 people attended the event.
/s/ Larry Southard
Chief, Oracle Fire District
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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