Good Samaritan Newspaper Carrier Helps Stroke Patient In Sub-Zero Temperatures
GREENSBURG (KDKA) -- A Westmoreland County newspaper carrier is being hailed a hero today after stopping to help a stoke patient who had fallen outside in below-zero wind chills.
Unable to call for help, the Good Samaritan came along in the nick of time to save the man's life.
KDKA's Trina Orlando caught up with the Good Samaritan on Wednesday while his car was being repaired at the Sears in Greensburg.
"I was just doing what should have been done," said the Good Samaritan who didn't want to be identified.
He's been delivering newspapers for about four months now in Greensburg. But on Tuesday morning, he saw something in the middle of Reed Avenue.
"I thought it was a trash can, and I just went down and found out it was him; you know, there was a guy laying there," the Good Samaritan said.
The 52-year-old man lives just a few doors away from where he was found and was wearing only a pair of shorts. Police say he wandered from his home and into the sub-zero wind chills.
"I asked him what his name was, where he lived, and he couldn't tell me," the Good Samaritan said. "I found out later that he had previously had strokes."
The Good Samaritan called 911 and stayed with the man for about 15 minutes until an ambulance arrived.
Excela Health's Dr. David Richards did not treat the man in this case, but warns that sub-zero temperatures can quickly become dangerous.
"It can be very dangerous. It can lead to frostbite, it can lead to hypothermia where your body temperature drops to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or lower," said Dr. Richards. "Nearly 600 people a year die from hypothermia."
Still, the Good Samaritan in this story says he doesn't want to be called a hero.
"It makes me feel good that I've done something. but I wish I could have done more," he said.
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