County Highway Workers Commended For Saving Life Of Co-Worker
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Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
"With their quick thinking and quick action, they saved the life of a man who is here today."
That's how Kosciusko County Commissioner Ron Truex introduced five county highway employees recognized at today's commissioners meeting for their heroic responses to a life-and-death situation.
On Aug. 27, Max Schultz, a parts manager for the highway department, collapsed while working at the county highway building.
"He just fell dead on the floor," said Chris Battle, remembering the incident.
Battle said he and co-worker Dan Conkling were working nearby and called for help. Schultz had gone into cardiac arrest and fallen between two cabinets.
"We had to move him out so we had space to work him," Battle said.
Three nearby co-workers, Jim Beer, Mike Hoover and Jim Collier, joined Battle and Conkling, helping to move Schultz into an open area. Conkling, an 18-year EMS veteran, began CPR immediately. One of the men called 911 and they continued performing CPR in shifts until paramedics arrived.
Paramedics used a defibrillator to revive Schultz's heart.
At today's meeting, Schultz expressed his gratitude to his co-workers. He said most cardiac arrest victims who collapse without immediate medical attention don't recover. He said the men he works with made the difference.
"I personally thank each of these individuals," Schultz said. "These guys, in thinking of them after the fact, they think it's no big deal. But, when you get the statistics that only three out of 100 make it out in the field, it's a big deal."
Each of the men participated in emergency CPR training sessions this spring. All five said the training made a difference in their response. Conkling said, though he has been certified in CPR for many years, the training was a good refresher course and sharpened his response.
"I think the training was the best thing we could have," Conkling said.
Hoover said teamwork also played an important role in saving Schultz's life.
"We were able to coach each other through the CPR," he said. "Collectively, we were able to remember all of it."
County Highway Superintendent Dennis Pletcher said he feels the recent CPR courses were an example of the providence of God.
"We all do our job as we're led by the spirit of God," Pletcher said.
