Posted on 08/22/2013

JEFFERSON HILLS, PA--A man’s co-workers and first responders are being credited with saving his life after he went into cardiac arrest while on the job back in May.

Workers at Guardian Industries in Jefferson Hills said Glen Caldwell, their 56-year-old co-worker, suffered sudden cardiac arrest while working the night shift.

“It was a scary situation because it was the first time it had happened to us,” Guardian employee Bob Kass said.

Members of the company’s emergency response team were paged and they rushed in to help.

Kass, John Yenni and other members of the company’s plant emergency organization team knew what to do.

“When it happens, it’s amazing how it clicks and everyone knows what to do,” Yenni said.

Using skills and training provided by the Jefferson Hills EMS, the team worked quickly to administer life-saving CPR and AED techniques.

“I would like to thank Guardian Corporation for putting defibrillators throughout the plant. I would also like to thank my fellow workers who played a very vital part in me being here today. You all are my heroes. I thank each and every one of you for allowing me to be here today,” Caldwell said Thursday as he met with his co-workers and medical personnel for the first time.

While the emergency team worked to revive Caldwell, other employees contacted paramedics and helped lead them to the plant.

“I would also like to thank the Jefferson Hills EMTs. You also are my heroes. I thank you all for not giving up and getting me here,” Caldwell said.

Within minutes, Caldwell was in an ambulance on his way to the hospital. After a stay in the ICU and a week in the hospital, Caldwell returned home and was ruled neurologically intact.

“I would like to thank everyone from Jefferson Hospital who made it possible for me to be here today living, and not brain dead. A lot of you all I don’t remember, but from the emergency room, to the ICU, to recovery -- I thank God for each of you,” Caldwell said.

Authorities said Caldwell survived because of the efforts of all involved.

“Without all of you, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy life. From the bottom of my heart I’d like to say thank you. My words aren’t enough,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell said Thursday that he will be able to see his 12-year-old daughter grow up because of everyone who saved him.

“The company has always promoted family and an environment of family. Today, they’re a little bit more than family. They’re also my heroes,” Caldwell said.

SOURCE: WPXI.com

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