News
Deputies save man's life at board meeting
By Andrew Amelinckx
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
Two Columbia County Sheriff’s Deputies at a board meeting to give a talk were involved in the dramatic life saving rescue of a Ghent man Thursday night.
Resident Deputy Sheriff Scott Leggett was at the monthly Ghent town board meeting to give a presentation on ATV safety and relevant laws when around 7:45 p.m. a man began to address the board and then collapsed.
“He just keeled over,” said Larry VanBrunt, the town’s Deputy Supervisor, who was present.
VanBrunt said that Leggett acted both professionally and quickly to aid the man.
The 68-year-old victim had no pulse and wasn’t breathing according to the Sheriff’s Office. Leggett retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator from his patrol vehicle and also called County 911.
According to emedecineheath.com, AEDs are electronic devices “capable of interpreting a person's heart rhythm and automatically delivering a defibrillation shock.”
Leggett began CPR and was aided by Deputy Todd Hyson who had been on patrol nearby and also responded to the scene.
By using the AED the men were able to regain a pulse and “ragged breathing” from the victim, said authorities.
The Chatham Rescue Squad arrived moments later and transported the man to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he remained Friday.
“It was a case of being in the right place at the right time,” said Lt. James Andrews of the Sheriff’s Office. “It was perfect timing. They did a great job.”
According to Andrews, deputies receive training on AEDs and in CPR on a regular basis based on when their certification expires.
Both zone patrols and resident deputies are assigned AEDs while on patrol.
Andrews said that there have been similar cases in the past.
The AEDs have been in use by the Sheriff’s Office for around five to seven years, they said, and were partially paid for by a grant obtained by EMS Coordinator PJ Keeler.
“We’re very proud of both deputies,” said Andrews.
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To reach reporter Andrew Amelinckx call 518- 828-1616, ext. 2267 or e-mail aamelinckx@registerstar.com. To comment directly on this story, go to www.registerstar.com.
Resident Deputy Sheriff Scott Leggett was at the monthly Ghent town board meeting to give a presentation on ATV safety and relevant laws when around 7:45 p.m. a man began to address the board and then collapsed.
“He just keeled over,” said Larry VanBrunt, the town’s Deputy Supervisor, who was present.
VanBrunt said that Leggett acted both professionally and quickly to aid the man.
The 68-year-old victim had no pulse and wasn’t breathing according to the Sheriff’s Office. Leggett retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator from his patrol vehicle and also called County 911.
According to emedecineheath.com, AEDs are electronic devices “capable of interpreting a person's heart rhythm and automatically delivering a defibrillation shock.”
Leggett began CPR and was aided by Deputy Todd Hyson who had been on patrol nearby and also responded to the scene.
By using the AED the men were able to regain a pulse and “ragged breathing” from the victim, said authorities.
The Chatham Rescue Squad arrived moments later and transported the man to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he remained Friday.
“It was a case of being in the right place at the right time,” said Lt. James Andrews of the Sheriff’s Office. “It was perfect timing. They did a great job.”
According to Andrews, deputies receive training on AEDs and in CPR on a regular basis based on when their certification expires.
Both zone patrols and resident deputies are assigned AEDs while on patrol.
Andrews said that there have been similar cases in the past.
The AEDs have been in use by the Sheriff’s Office for around five to seven years, they said, and were partially paid for by a grant obtained by EMS Coordinator PJ Keeler.
“We’re very proud of both deputies,” said Andrews.
***
To reach reporter Andrew Amelinckx call 518- 828-1616, ext. 2267 or e-mail aamelinckx@registerstar.com. To comment directly on this story, go to www.registerstar.com.
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