As shared by the Columbus Division of Fire, four OSUPD officers were honored during the EMS Star of Life Awards Ceremony on May 22, 2024.
On July 16, 2023, OSUPD officers Chris Chambers, Robert Fair, Pete Tiefenthaeler and Erik Winger, along with medics from Columbus Fire, responded to a call at The Ohio State University McCorkle Indoor Aquatic Center on reports of 16-year-old Ethan McKendry who was drowning after falling into the pool during a medical episode.
When medics arrived, the McCorkle Center staff had gotten McKendry out of the pool and started CPR. McKendry was seizing, making it difficult to establish an airway.
Upon arrival, medics provided IV medications, attempted intubation, and stabilized McKendry enough to transport him to the Wexner Medical Center.
“...Two weeks later, I am swimming, fishing, and having the time of my life with my friends and family, thanks to all of the amazing first responders that saved my life that day,” said McKendry. “I just wanted to say thank you all, and I am blessed to still be here today and to breathe normally again. I might be a Wolverine fan right now, but I’ll always be an Ohio State fan.”
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