November 30, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2011-94)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
NOVEMBER FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
Mobile Fire-Rescue Firemedic Jennifer Levy, who has been with the department over a year, was off duty and finishing up her workout at the Chandler YMCA on October 31, when she heard an announcement over the PA system as she entered the women’s locker room. Levy was unable to understand the message but could tell there was urgency in the individual’s voice making the announcement.
Levy exited the women’s locker room and noticed a YMCA staff member running down the hall towards the weight room. Levy followed and discovered an approximately 75-year-old gentleman on the floor by treadmill in apparent cardiac arrest. Levy applied the AED (automated external defibrillator) and the machine advised to deliver one shock. She then, with the assistance of another YMCA Patron who was later identified as Parrish Taylor, performed two rounds of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Afterwards Levy noticed the man was moving slightly, so she checked for a pulse, finding one she moved him on his side in the “recovery position”.
The patient was sitting up and talking by the time he was placed on a stretcher by on-duty firefighters and firemedics.
It should also be noted that the gentleman is doing well and continues his workout routine at the Y.
Levy’s actions exemplify the characteristics of a true hero and she acted without hesitation. According to her supervisor not only does this single incident merit consideration for this award but her performance on a day to day basis goes above and beyond the professional and compassionate service to which MFRD holds each and every employee.
On Wednesday morning, November 30 the Firefighter of the Month award was presented to Firemedic Jennifer Levy. A special citizen award was presented to Mr. Parrish Taylor for his assistance to Levy with patient care. Taylor is an employee of UOP. The awards were present by the Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club which is the sponsor of the award.
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