The Northshore Fire Department presented Meritorious Action Awards on Oct. 16 to a group of local residents who saved the life of a fellow citizen.

On Sept. 15 while at St. Edward State Park, a man collapsed while walking the park grounds. A few people responded immediately and soon realized that the man was not breathing and had no pulse.

“I was terrified,” said David Marshall who was one of the first to reach the man. “At first I just froze.” He asked if anyone knew CPR and Kristen Terpstra jumped in and began chest compressions while other bystanders were directed to call 911 and go for help. When Terpstra tired, David Graves stepped in and continued CPR.

Park rangers Mohammad Mostafavinassab and Lukas Peter responded with an AED (automatic external defibrillator) and delivered shocks to the man’s heart. Due to the selfless actions of all those involved, the life of a total stranger, Keith Dotter, was saved. When emergency crews arrived, Dotter had a pulse and was transported to a local hospital.

The citizens honored were: David and Alice Marshall of Seattle, David Graves of Bothell, Kristen Terpstra of Kirkland and Mohammed Mostafavinassab and Lukas Peter of Kenmore.

In addition to recognizing the efforts of these helpful citizens, it is important to mention the role that the King County Medic One program played in this event. For years, Medic One has encouraged and supported local CPR training programs, public education efforts and the placement of AED’s in public places. Medic One states, “The real difference in patient outcome is made in the first ten minutes.”

This event highlights how citizen participation is a vital link in the “Chain of Survival” for sudden cardiac arrest. AED’s can be found in many public areas and their use can be critical for the survival of people with heart related emergencies.

The Northshore Fire Department encourages all citizens to take a CPR class and learn more about what they can do to be prepared to help in case of an emergency. In recognition of the importance of citizen CPR, the Northshore Fire Department will be offering two free Adult CPR classes. The free classes will be held at the headquarters station in Kenmore at 2 p.m. Nov. 7 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 (space is limited). Contact Wendy Booth at wbooth@northshorefire.com or 425-354-1742 to register.

Learn more by going to the American Heart Association website at www.americanheart.org.