Two Rec Center Employees to Receive "Everyday Heroes" Award

Two University of Michigan-Flint Recreation Center employees have been selected to receive the American Red Cross Salute to Everyday Heroes Workplace Good Samaritan award. Each year, the Red Cross solicits nominations from the community in order to honor those individuals who have shown exceptional courage, kindness, and unselfish character by their acts of heroism. Gary Parr, associate director of recreational services, and Chris Clolinger, assistant director of intramural sports will receive the award at a special celebration on May 16.

The two men are being credited with helping to save the life of a Recreation Center member who collapsed with a heart attack. According to Parr, a 60 year old male collapsed while running on the track. The man had no pulse and was experiencing agonal breathing, which quickly ceased. The AED (Automated External Defibrillator) electrodes were applied to the man by Clolinger. The AED analyzed heart activity and detected a shockable rhythm. The AED delivered one shock and Clolinger and Parr performed CPR. The man regained pulse and breathing. His condition was monitored while waiting for EMS to arrive. EMS arrived and transported the man to Genesys Regional Medical Center. The man has since recovered from heart surgery.

"We are proud that Gary and Chris are being honored for their life saving efforts and also very thankful for the excellent job Gary does to ensure that appropriate staff is recertified annually in CPR/AED. His diligence to training paid off. Chris was able to react automatically. The quick response by Chris followed by assistance from Gary made the difference between life and death in this incident," said Theresa Landis, director of Auxiliary and Recreational Services.

UM-Flint currently has seven AEDs strategically located on campus. The safety department's unit is completely portable and can be transported to where it is needed. An individual or department interested in receiving AED training should contact the Urban Health and Wellness Center.

Parr and Clolinger will be featured in a special video produced by ABC12 for the event