COURTESY PHOTO
RBC | The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office believes in the recognition of deputies, and those who work closely with the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, for their actions and outstanding efforts in service to the community. In keeping with this belief, during the annual Christmas celebration and awards ceremony, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office recognized Fire Chief Andy Shaffer and Assistant Fire Chief Jasper Whinston for their outstanding efforts that occurred on June 14, 2018.
On June 14, 2018, around 1720 hours, a multi-agency alert went out as the result of a 911 call. The caller advised RPD dispatch that her 3-½ old child had stopped breathing.
Rangely Fire was the first agency on scene. They immediately assessed the child, continued CPR and made an immediate decision to transport the child. While continuing resuscitation, they “hand carried” the child to the fire truck, and transported the child to RDH. Their entire on-scene time was under one minute. Transportation to the hospital was accomplished in about three minutes.
It’s likely that their immediate patient assessment and prompt decision to “load and go” in under one minute, saved the life of this 3-½ year old child.
Today, the child has fully recovered and does not have any residual complications.
Andy Shaffer and Jasper Whinstons’ quick response, recognition of the severity of the medical emergency, immediate actions and effective CPR resulted directly in saving the life of the child. A failure to act or action after delay could have led to a tragic outcome.
Shaffer’s and Whinston’s actions qualify them for this Life Saving Award and the appreciation and commendation of the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office and Rio Blanco County.
Special to the Herald Times
