By David Hurst
The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
SOMERSET, Pa. — It’s routine for Somerset County Jail staffers to look after more than 100 lives daily.
On Feb. 21, they likely saved one.
Several of the jail’s corrections officers, nursing staff and re-entry coordinator were recognized Tuesday for their decisive action to treat a woman who went into cardiac arrest after visiting her son at the jail.
Warden Brian Pelesky, the Somerset County commissioners and UPMC officials recognized Deputy Warden David Krouse, jail lieutenants Kyle Landis and Geoff Parrish, lead nurse Cindy Showman, re-entry coordinator Eugene Galentine and corrections staff Brianna Fieg, Nathan Kasterko, Daniel Talley and Nicole Tinkey for each playing a role in the life-saving effort.
Cheryl Rickens, who leads UPMC’s automated external defibrillator program, said the crew served as a vital link in the “chain of survival” process, quickly identifying the woman was in danger and taking action.
Staff in the jail, who were supervised by Krouse as shift commander that day, dialed 911 and started early cardiopulmonary resuscitation, she said.
When it became clear the woman’s heart rate was dangerously unstable, they used a defibrillator to give the electric jolt needed to restore her heartbeat to a normal rhythm.
Their care gave Somerset ambulance crews the time they needed to respond and take over treatment, Rickens said.
“We want to thank all of you for doing what you do,” said Rickens, who presented the group with certificates, Chain of Survival pins and, fittingly, packs of Lifesavers candy.
Rickens said the UPMC medical team that examined the woman discovered that she had a total blockage of her coronary artery, which underscored the deadly situation she faced.
Commissioner Irv Kimmel Jr . and President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said the jail’s staff deserves praise for knowing what to do and then putting lessons into action.
“I’m proud of them,” Kimmel said.
“It’s a testimony to the training and preparation ... and being able to administer it when the pressure is on,” Fochtman said.
It’s also a testimony to the power of teamwork, Commissioner Pamela Tokar-Ickes said.
“They did it like clockwork,” she said.
___
(c)2024 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.)
Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.