Talk about Healthy Work!

Several employees at the HHSA North Central Regional Center were honored for saving the lives of fellow employees. Front row (left to right): Maria de la Paz Palma, Maria Casas, Mignonette Santos, Betty Ronquillo, Lisa Kellum and Isobel Kinsang. Back row (left to right): Aida Pinones, Angel Vazquez-Murillo, Lydia Manangan, Tanya Rowe and Peter Holmes.Recently Mignonette Santos found her co-worker on the floor. It appeared he had suffered a major heart attack.

What followed was a joint effort by several HHSA employees in the North County Regional Center that probably saved the man’s life. Talk about healthy work!

Isobel Kinsang quickly called 911. While emergency services were on their way, Peter Holmes and Aida Pinones checked that the victim’s airways were clear. Luckily a CPR-trained security guard, Maria de la Paz Palma, was nearby and started chest compressions. She was assisted by Public Health Nurse Angel Vazquez-Murillo.

Employees then used the AED (automated external defibrillator) machine to deliver an electric charge to restart the heart. This care continued until paramedics arrived. The employee was taken to the hospital and is now recovering in a rehabilitation facility.

These folks went way beyond “Work Safe, Stay Healthy.” Thanks to their training and enthusiasm, one of our co-workers is still alive.