Salyer, Parker receive city’s Medal of Meritorious Service
Two Price City police officers have been given the “Medal of Meritorious Service” for their efforts toward saving the life of a Price man.
During a city council meeting last week Steven Bridge told the story of how his life was saved on Jan. 6.
Bridge suffered a heart attack and his heart stopped beating. Prior to his system shutting down, Bridge said he realized what was happening and told his wife to call 911. She did and less than three minutes later officers Randy Salyer and Nick Parker were at the Bridge house, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in hand.
Salyer said the two officers where doing paperwork at the police station when the call came in. They dropped what they were doing and ran to their cars.
By the time the officers arrived, Bridge’s heart had stopped beating. Salyer immediately started Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while Parker prepared the AED.
After two minutes of CPR and administration of the first shock, from which there was no response, the Carbon County Ambulance arrived and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) took over. After continued CPR and a second shock, about eight minutes after the 911 call was made, Bridge’s heart started beating. He was transported to the hospital and eventually made a full recovery.
During the council meeting Bridge thanked the officers and gave them credit for saving his life. He said he is lucky the officers were there, as well as the County EMTs, and the people at the hospital emergency room.
Police Chief Kevin Drolc presented the awards to the two officers and thanked them for their efforts. He said the entire force is well trained and prepared for such situations.
Mayor Michael Kourianos praised the officers and the entire police force, saying that at a time when law enforcement is being criticized, the Price Police force is going above and beyond the call of duty.