Staff Spotlight, Robert Barker
Robert Barker is the recipient of the 2022 Lifesaver Award. The Lifesaver Award is given to an employee or volunteer whose actions save the life of another person.
In September 2022, Park Ranger Robert Barker was patrolling a parking area at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park when a park visitor waved at him.
As the ranger got closer, he observed a man lying face-up on the pavement near his vehicle and gasping for air. He also observed a cut on the victim’s knee and a small amount of blood on the pavement under the victim’s head, indicating he had collapsed.
Thinking fast, Robert detected a pulse but the man remained unresponsive. After ensuring 911 had been called by bystanders, he radioed for park staff to bring the nearest AED to his location.
While awaiting the arrival of the AED, Robert performed chest compressions and periodically checked for breathing and a pulse, which was becoming weaker. Ranger Ericson Jacques arrived on-scene within three minutes of the radio call with the AED.
Robert applied the AED, which delivered a shock and gave audible instructions to continue chest compressions. He continued chest compressions until fire-rescue arrived eight minutes later.
When rescue personnel took over the scene, the man was breathing intermittently and had a faint pulse. The victim was then transported to the local hospital. The next day, it was confirmed that the man was recovering at the hospital.
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