On February 28, 2024, Mary Smith was awoken when she found her husband, Robert, sitting on the edge of the bed at their residence at 885 Crescent Drive, Sidney. Robert advised Mary that he had pain in his left arm. A short while later, Robert suffered a cardiac event that left him unresponsive.
Mary called 911 and for her children, Justin (17) and Julia (15) to help her. Mary had taken CPR training years prior, but was at a loss of what to do. Unbeknownst to Mary; Justin and Julia had completed CPR training at Fairlawn High School where both attend high school. The children immediately began to work together to move Robert to the floor and begin resuscitative efforts. Justin was performing chest compressions while Julia performed rescue breathing. The dispatcher assisted these efforts by supporting the children with instructions and counting compressions. Robert began to take a few gasping breaths. Soon after, our EMS crew arrived and began to provide Advanced Life Support measures.
If not for the quick actions of Justin and Julia to provide high-quality CPR, this outcome would have been different and Robert may not have survived this event. Whenever CPR is performed on another, it can be a difficult situation; but to perform CPR on a loved one is something none of us ever want to do. Despite this, Justin and Julia did what needed to be done in the hour that their father needed them the most.
The bravery and quick thinking demonstrated by Justin and Julia Smith align with the highest standards of the fire service and the department. In recognition of their actions that morning, the Sidney Department of Fire and Emergency Services is honored to present them with the Lifesaver Award.