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When Troy Van Roekel collapsed at his North Plains farm last month, no one hesitated. His wife, Laurie, immediately began chest compressions. Their son Nathan called 911. And their neighbor, volunteer firefighter Lt. Terry Burns, heard the emergency dispatcher on the radio and rushed over. Together, they likely saved Van Roekel's life. North Plains firefighters brought an AED -- an automated electronic defibrillator -- and soon started an IV. Within minutes, the 49-year-old cattle rancher was breathing again and his heart was beating normally. He was taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for further treatment. The story does not always end this way. A timely start to CPR is key to a patient's survival, experts say. Research shows that tissue and brain death begins in just four to six minutes.
To recognize their "quick and diligent actions," Washington County Fire District 2 gave
Laurie and Nathan Van Roekel the Citizen Life Saver Award on Feb. 10.
Burns received a medal for his volunteer response, as did Katie Allen, a fire district
intern who administered aid while Burns did chest compressions.
Troy and Laurie live in Oregon and raise Angus cattle.
They have three sons.....Nathan, Drew and Logan.
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