Officers who saved man on Christmas awarded for bravery
The Palm Springs Police Department awarded medals of bravery to one of its officers and a security officer with the Spa Resort Casino after the pair saved a man’s life on Christmas Day.
PSPD Sgt. William Hutchinson said Officer Matthew Steed was flagged down by a female who said her brother-in-law had collapsed in a parking lot and wasn’t breathing. Officer Steed was patrolling near 401 East Amado Road at the time. He radioed for help and began giving the man CPR.
“It just kicked in right away to do chest compressions. It wasn’t even a thought,” said Steed.
Spa Resort Casino Security Guard David Ortega was patrolling the area on bicycle and stopped to help Officer Steed by lifting the victim’s neck to help open an airway, Sgt. Hutchinson said in the release.
Officer Steed became tired after continuous CPR for five minutes and that’s when Security Officer Ortega jumped into action to help save the man’s life. H believes everyone should know CPR.
“I think everyone should learn it. It is good to know,” said Ortega.
Paramedics arrived and transported the man to the hospital. They ended up reviving the victim while en route to Desert Regional Medical Center.
Officials said fire department personnel confirmed the victim had no pulse when they arrived and attributed the victim’s revival to Officer Steed and Security Officer Ortega’s quick action at the scene.
Authorities said both officers are commended for their quick response and rescue efforts at the scene. Their ability to perform under a stressful situation ultimately led to saving the victim’s life.
According to the PSPD release, Officer Steed will be awarded the Lifesaving Medal and Spa Resort Casino Security Officer Ortega, who has 20 years of service combined with the Spa Resort Casino and Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, will be awarded the PSPD Citizen Medal of Valor for the brave and heroic actions they took which saved the life of another.
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