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Team Effort Credited For Saving Man’s Life

The quick action of a Seattle Police Department parking enforcement officer, a UW medical student, a UWPD officer and Seattle Fire Medics helped save the life of 60-year old man, who is recovering at a local hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack on a University District street.

A Seattle Police PEO was on patrol yesterday afternoon near NE 40th  Street and University Way NE when he noticed a man down on the sidewalk. Two pedestrians told the PEO that the man had collapsed.

The PEO did a quick assessment, radioed in for assistance and began CPR.

Two other passersby, including a UW medical student, saw the commotion and stopped to help. They relieved the PEO and continued CPR.

A University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) officer heard the call and rushed to the scene. The UWPD officer deployed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and assisted with CPR.

Seattle Fire and additional Seattle police officers arrived on scene shortly thereafter. Medics continued CPR and AED treatment and rushed the man to Harborview Medical Center.

“The first few minutes are key,” says Seattle Fire PIO Kyle Moore. “Immediate hands-on treatment drastically increases the likelihood of survival and decreases the risk of brain damage. Quick action in a case like this is the difference between life and death.”

 We here at SPD wish this man a full and speedy recovery. We would also like to express our gratitude to those who stopped and helped.