ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Thursday, the Escanaba Public Safety Department presented five lifesaving awards to officers and a private citizen.
Local business owner Liza Plourde received an award for her quick response to someone suffering from a health emergency.
On May 23, Public Safety officers were called to Drifter’s Restaurant when a woman named Mary fell and stopped breathing. Before they arrived, Plourde began performing CPR. Officer Ryan Peterson took over CPR once Mary was transported to an ambulance, earning him a lifesaving award as well.
Just over a week later, Mary’s family informed the Public Safety Department that she was back at home and doing well.
“The doctor advised that only 1% of people that this happens to survive,” said Chief of Police John Gudwer. “Due to the actions that Liza did, Mary survived this incident.”
While Mary could not be at the award presentation, her nieces attended to thank Plourde and Peterson.
On May 31, Peterson responded to another medical emergency. During the Krusin Klassics Fun Run parade, a citizen named Vern Erickson had a heart attack. Peterson called for Rampart EMS services and additional Public Safety assistance.
“PSO Jordan LaDouce provided an AED, while PSO Mitchell Peterson took over CPR,” said Gudwer. “PSO Ryan Peterson connected the AEDs to Vern… The AED administered a shock and CPR was resumed. Once Rampart arrived, officers helped transfer Vern into the ambulance. PSO Ryan Peterson accompanied the medics and the ambulance, connecting Vern to Rampart’s heart monitor, and assisted with his respiration… PSO Justin VanDrese also joined and continued performing CPR while en route to St. Francis Hospital.”
Officers Ryan Peterson, Mitchell Peterson, LaDouce, and VanDrese received lifesaving awards. Erickson attended the presentation to thank them.
