State Farm workers, emergency responders named HeartSaver Heroes

Posted on July 29, 2015

Ron Irons with State Farm workers and emergency responders — Ron Irons (front center, right) went into cardiac arrest while playing softball last month. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The American Heart Association on Wednesday recognized several State Farm employees and Bloomington emergency responders as HeartSaver Heroes for the role they played in saving a man’s life after he went into sudden cardiac arrest.

Ron Irons, 52, was playing softball at State Farm Fields on June 2 when he collapsed in the field. James Trask was one of several who ran to his side and quickly began CPR.

“What was going through my head was, ‘this guy needs help,'” said Trask. “I didn’t try to assess the situation or anything. I just took off and along with the first baseman, Mike LaFramboise, he helped me roll Ron over and got him on his back. So we just began to work on him from that point.”

Most State Farm employees are required to go through CPR training. Trask said that training definitely came in handy.

“When he was on his back, I was performing CPR along with a guy from the other team, David Rieck,” said Trask. “Gailen Smiley and Wes Wombles were both at his head making sure he can breathe. He wasn’t breathing very well.”

Trask said after what felt like three hours, the first responders arrived and took Irons to a local hospital where he survived. Advocate BroMenn Medical Center Training Center Coordinator Jen Berlin said less than 10 percent of people who go into cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive. She explained a person’s survival can depend on the actions of those in the area.

“Every minute counts so it’s very, very important that they call 911 and start pumping hard and fast in the center of the chest,” Berlin said.

Irons had trouble putting into words how thankful he is.

“‘Thank you’ is definitely not enough. They saved my life; point blank,” said Irons. “I will never forget them and I will always be appreciative of that fact.”

The State Farm employees recognized were:

Gailen Smiley
James Trask
Joseph Square
Mike LaFramboise
Dave Rieck
Wes Wombles

The emergency responders recognized were:

Greg Fisher
Stewart Blade
Matt Bozarth
Mike Fry
Mark Esme
Mark Langellier

Also receiving recognition were Brad McCollum, a State Farm security officer, and Kristy Coley, an EMS student.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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