The County of Bucks today commended county security personnel for saving the life of a resident who experienced a medical emergency last month at a county facility.
Andy Warren, a former county commissioner who often attends Commissioners’ Meetings, had just entered the Administration Building in Doylestown Nov. 17 to attend a meeting of the Board of Elections when he collapsed.
County Law and Safety Director Rich Vona said during Wednesday’s Commissioners’ Meeting that Peace Officers and a security screener rushed to Warren and found he was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Relying on their training, the officers immediately began lifesaving measures, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator.
The officers attended to Warren until emergency medical personnel arrived and rushed Warren to a nearby hospital.
“We’ve heard often that it takes a village to raise a child,” Warren said Wednesday. “It also takes a village, many people, to save a not so young child.”
Warren, of Middletown Township, said Wednesday he woke up at Doylestown Health several hours later with no recollection of what had occurred after walking into the Administration Building.
“The doctors said had I not been here, or surrounded by people who knew what to do, I wouldn’t be here,” he added.
Warren thanked the staff for their efforts, and also thanked the Commissioners for ensuring county security personnel are well-trained and equipped. He said the experience inspired him to create a $1,000 scholarship at Bucks County Community College for students studying emergency medicine.
Warren joined Vona in presenting commendations to Peace Officers Rowland Rogers, John Ruel, Otis Weathersby and David Smith.
Peace Officer Mark Lewandowski and security Screener Karen Frable, both of whom assisted in treating Warren, were unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting, and will receive commendations at a later date.
PHOTO: Andy Warren, center, during Wednesday's Commissioners' Meeting thanked security personnel who provided lifesaving care last month when he experienced a medical emergency.
“These gentlemen and lady did not come to work on Nov. 17 looking to be recognized for their work,” Vona said. “But I am proud of these individuals, and I am proud to be associated with this department.”
Commissioners Bob Harvie, Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Gene DiGirolamo also thanked the officers and screener for springing quickly into action.
“Very few people can talk about how they’ve saved a life,” said Harvie, chair of the Board of Commissioners. “It’s something that certainly makes us proud, I’m sure you’re proud, I’m sure your families are proud.”
Watch the full presentation on the county’s Facebook or YouTube pages.
Media Contact: James O’Malley, 215-348-6414, jtoalley@buckscounty.org