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Teamwork Saves Life at Festival International
16 Jul
Summary
- Seventeen first responders received awards for a lifesaving rescue.
- A 70-year-old woman survived cardiac arrest at the festival.
- CPR and defibrillation were administered within minutes of collapse.
Seventeen first responders from Acadiana have been recognized with Meritorious Service Awards for their unified efforts in saving a woman's life during Festival International.
The incident occurred on April 23 when a 70-year-old festival attendee collapsed from cardiac arrest. Lafayette Police officers immediately began CPR, swiftly joined by Lafayette Fire Department firefighters and an Acadian Ambulance EMS crew.
Three off-duty participants from Acadian's Explorer program also assisted. After 12 minutes of continuous care, including two successful defibrillations, the woman regained consciousness.
She was transported to a local emergency room and, remarkably, was discharged a few days later with no adverse effects. The award highlights exceptional performance and clinical precision in preserving life.
