Longview chiefhonors Cathlamet responder

October 25 , 2007

The Longview Fire Department has recognized the lifesaving efforts of a member of the Cathlamet Fire Department.

In an October 21 letter to Cathlamet Chief Jerry DeBriae, Longview Battalion Chief Kevin M. Taylor reported that first responder Crystal Davis had helped resuscitate a woman at a Longview residence.

"While visiting a friend, she heard a panicked man screaming for help," Taylor wrote in his letter. "She approached the scene to find that the man had returned home to discover his girlfriend (a quadriplegic in a wheelchair) in respiratory and cardiac arrest. The man had unsuccessfully tried to dial 911 but was too upset to dial successfully and began yelling for help outside.

"Ms Davis moved the patient to the floor and began CPR, which she continued until the arrival of our own responders.

"I want to express my thanks for her efforts today. She made the effort to render aid to a stranger with a life-threatening emergency. I believe that Ms Davis's efforts likely gave this person a chance by keeping her alive until the arrival of the fire department. Our efforts to revive the patient might have had a different outcome without her intervention. As it was, we were able to transport the patient to the hospital with a pulse and some respiratory efforts.

"On behalf of the Longview Fire Department, I would like to thank Crystal Davis for her courage, initiative and lifesaving work. She made a difference, and a person made it to the hospital today because of it."