Four Lebanon Safeway employees were honored for their life-saving actions during the Lebanon Fire District’s board meeting on March 11.
In a press release, LFD said that on Feb. 6, 2025, the district responded to a cardiac arrest at Safeway where an employee suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while preparing for a shift in the break room. LFD said the quick thinking and heroic actions of four Safeway employees – Brandy Davis, John Escalera, Mary Stratton and Tammy Vanepps-Fox – saved their co-worker’s life.
According to LFD, the employees immediately sprang into action, performing CPR and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to shock the patient twice before emergency responders arrived.
“Their quick response gave the patient a fighting chance at survival,” LFD stated.
Upon arrival, LFD crews continued treatment, applying two more shocks and ultimately achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) before stabilizing the patient. LFD crews transported the patient to the hospital, where they were discharged several days later.
“A partnership with the community through early CPR, AED access and prompt activation of 911 leads to successful outcomes,” Fire Chief Joseph Rodondi said. “Without bystander CPR and early access to an AED, the outcome would have been very different.”
In addition to recognizing the four employees, LFD also extended gratitude to its crew members for their prompt and professional response to the emergency. They are Battalion Chief Blaine Suing, Lieutenant Michael Maynard, Lieutenant Jason Adamson, Engineer Kyle Kemper, Engineer Brad McInnis, Engineer Cody Manzi, Firefighter Dylan Jorgenson, Firefighter Londyn Randell, Firefighter Conner Fitzgerald, Fire Corp Deb Griffin and Intern James Kozachenko.
LFD encourages the community to stay prepared and informed. A key resource for individuals interested in learning how to respond to emergencies is the PulsePoint app, which provides real-time notifications for nearby cardiac emergencies and helps users locate AEDs in the area. The app also provides CPR instructions for emergencies. Learn more about PulsePoint and how to download the app by visiting www.lebanonfireoregon.gov/321/PulsePoint.
The LFD also encourages the community to consider CPR and AED training programs, as they are vital skills that can make a life-saving difference.
“This incident serves as a powerful reminder of how critical early intervention can be in a cardiac emergency,” LFD stated. “The Lebanon Fire District extends its deepest gratitude to Mary Stratton, John Escalera, Brandy Davis and Tammy Vanepps-Fox for their selfless and courageous actions. Their quick action made all the difference, and their efforts are truly commendable.”