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SOUTH JORDAN — Off-duty firefighter Corban Summers started CPR on a man who was having a heart attack at the South Jordan Recreation Center on Dec. 23. The on-duty team later arrived and helped save the man's life.
"This is a huge deal and really, it's a great accomplishment for our department," said Chief Andrew Butler of the South Jordan Fire Department.
Training for heart attacks is a priority and so far, it's showing, Butler said.
"This is actually our sixth cardiac-arrest save this year. It's about a 50 percent save rate in the city of South Jordan, so that's about five times the national average," Butler said.
"We know what to do when the situation arises and we're prepared for it," said Curtis Evans, who works for the fire department.
Of course, no matter how much team members train, it can still be scary, as Capt. Ben Kluger said.
"I talked a little bit about that team environment; more than likely, when you're scared, there's someone on your team that is going to build you up and strengthen you and help you get through the moment," Kluger said.
But if you're going to have a heart attack, South Jordan is a pretty good place to have one.
"We pride ourselves on being a heart-safe community, so yeah, go ahead and do it," Evans said.
"At the end of the day, it's a great job, great environment, and because we rely so much on each other, you become very good friends with these folks," Kluger said.
