Survivor: David Fox
Date of Event:
Location of Event: Baseball game
Rescuer(s):Tom Dawes
During an adult baseball league game, David suddenly collapsed on the field. One of his teammates ran toward a nearby soccer field, desperately searching for anyone who might know how to help. That is where Tom was, sitting in his parked car. Seeing people running with urgency, Tom followed them back to the baseball field.
Tom saw David on his side, his skin blue and mottled. Teammates stood nearby saying, “we lost him.” Tom immediately began CPR. Within moments, he realized the man’s airway was blocked. He cleared it, got him to vomit, and then resumed compressions without pause. At the same time, he directed bystanders through the crowded park to help flag down the incoming EMTs.
First Responders Continue the Chain of Survival
When EMTs arrived, they shocked David four or five times. From there, the chain of survival continued. It took many people acting quickly and decisively to save his life, and each of them deserves recognition. But if one person stands out as most responsible, it is Tom. He refused to give up when others believed it was already too late.
A Life Changed
The experience changed David’s life in countless ways. One of the most meaningful was realizing that a complete stranger chose to step in and save him. Because of what Tom did that day, he later became a CPR instructor himself.
David is grateful. They are now connected for life.