AKRON, Ohio — After a man collapsed at the Akron Marathon late Saturday morning, a good Samaritan, Akron firefighters and members of the Summa Health Medical Team stepped in to help, saving his life.
It happened around 11:35 a.m. near the finish line.
A good Samaritan jumped a fance and administered chest compressions to the man until the first responders arrived and took over, providing First Aid.
Benjamin Proudfoot, with 330ToGo, told News 5 that crews were rushing to help the man.
"Specific shout out to the man in the white shirt that was giving chest compressions before the AED arrived," Proudfoot said. "This took place in front of hundreds of spectators. Folks truly watched a life being saved in real time, and it shook up a lot of people."
News 5 has learned that he's recovering at the hopsital.
The Akron Marathon, City of Akron Fire Department, and Summa Health released sent News 5 this joint statement on Monday afternoon:
At approximately 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, during the finish of the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, a participant experienced a medical emergency. Akron Fire Department personnel and the Summa Health Medical Team responded immediately, providing care on-site before transporting the individual to the hospital. We are grateful to all first responders, medical staff, volunteers, and bystanders whose quick actions and compassion made a difference. We have since confirmed that the participant is recovering, and we extend our best wishes to them and their family.
A statement was also released on behalf of the family.
Our family is extremely grateful for everyone involved, from First Responders to Akron Marathon staff and the entire care team. A special mention to all people at the event who showed incredible compassion and support, especially the person who jumped the fence and started CPR and the person who prayed with us. It was an amazing display of the tremendous good in people.
Statement from the Participant's Family
Our family is extremely grateful for everyone involved from First Responders to Akron
Marathon staff and the entire care team. A special mention to all people at the event who
showed incredible compassion and support, especially the person who jumped the fence
and started CPR and the person who prayed with us. It was an amazing display of the
tremendous good in people.
