THREE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA STAFF RECEIVE PHEONIX AWARD FOR HELPING SAVE A WOMAN IN CARDIAC ARREST

MCSO Deputy Spencer Curry, left, MCFR firefighters; Roberto Costa, Brad Baird, Alfred Meneses, Camp Counselors; Katie Kuglin, Mick Norberg, and Jamie Bonnet. Other personnel (not pictured) involved in her chain of survival, MCFR Lt. Bernard, Flight Nurse Roy Mendez, Flight Medic Josh Carmichael, community responders; Mason Meredith, Alexander Meyer, Brandon Compton, Stephanie English, Rene Beltran and Regan Fox

SCOUT KEY, FL – Monroe County Fire Rescue Trauma Star/EMS Division and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office presented three Boy Scout of America (BSA) personnel with Phoenix Awards and Commendation awards for saving a 45-year-old woman who experienced sudden cardiac arrest on March 9, 2024 at the BSA Camp in Summerland Key.

The award recipients were recently certified in CPR and quickly resorted to their training. When she collapsed and became unresponsive, they called 9-1-1 and immediately began CPR and administered a shock with an AED that was located on the property. Their quick actions saved her life until a MCSO deputy arrived along with the MCFR crew. She was transported to Trauma Star and flown for definitive care in Miami.

“This is a perfect example of why bystander CPR and basic first aid training is so important,” said Division Chief of Trauma Star/EMS Andrea Thompson. “Bystander-initiated care drastically increases someone’s chances of survival.”

The Phoenix Award, named for the mythical bird who rises from the ashes unscathed, is presented to first responders who restore life to a patient who can return to a similar quality of life.

Monroe County’s UF/IFAS Extension Service offers American Heart Association CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant) and First Aid Certification courses. The CPR/First Aid combo course costs $41. Participants receive an American Heart Association certification after completing the course. Courses are offered on the following dates:
• April 24, 10 AM at Marathon Public Library- 3490 Overseas Hwy.
• April 25, 10 AM at Plantation Key Community Center- 53 High Point Rd.
• April 30, 9 AM at the Gato Building- 1100 Simonton St. Key West Conference Room

Please call Monroe County Extension to register for any of these courses or if you have questions 305-292-4501.

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