2020 Lifesaver Award
Alma Johnson
2020 Lifesaver Award
On July 28, 2020, park staff at the ranger station at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park received a call from a concerned visitor stating that a man had been lying on the beach for some time without moving and that they were concerned. Park Ranger Alma Johnson quickly rushed to the scene of the distressed swimmer. She found the visitor lying in the surf, with labored breathing and vomiting. Alma comforted the visitor and held his head to keep it out of the water. Park Manager Josh Hodson arrived on scene, and both Josh and Alma were able to pull the visitor out of the water and up onto the beach.
Alma, a trained first responder, knew to place the visitor into the rescue position. The visitor was still vomiting and having a hard time catching his breath. In a state of shock, the visitor kept saying he was scared. Josh and Alma's confidence and professional demeaner helped to reassure and calm him. They kept talking to the visitor, offering words of encouragement, stating that he was in good hands and to just breath.
Within minutes, Assistant Park Manager Lance Kelly, a trained first responder, arrived with his medical bag. Lance took the visitor's vital signs while waiting for EMS to arrive. The visitor, who had obviously nearly drowned, was in continued distress. EMS arrived with a four-wheel drive vehicle and assisted with transporting the visitor to the ambulance and the hospital, where he made a full recovery thanks to all staff involved.
Alma was instrumental in providing life-saving aid to the visitor. Her quick thinking and sense of urgency ensured the visitor received the care he required. Her training as a first responder was instrumental in assessing the situation and responding appropriately. Her professional demeanor and confidence helped to reassure the visitor that he was in good hands. She went above the call of duty to provide first aid to a stranger. Even during the COVID pandemic, Alma put the visitor's safety first.
Josh did not stop to think about himself, always putting the visitor's safety first. Josh's quick actions were instrumental in providing life-saving aid to the visitor. He was able to prioritize the visitor's need above his own, ensuring the visitor was given appropriate care in a safe manner. His ability to remain calm and professional during this trying situation helped ease the fears of the visitor. He went beyond the call of duty to provide care to a stranger.
Thanks to the efforts of Alma, Josh and Lance, the visitor recovered from the incident. Without staff intervention the outcome could have been exponentially worse.
The Lifesaver Award is awarded to an employee or volunteer for saving the life of another person.