U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy Saves Man's Life
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - United States Congressman Tim Murphy saved a man's life on Wednesday afternoon. Congressman Murphy represents Pennsylvania's 18th District, and he also knows CPR.
Murphy joined "The KDKA Morning News" with Larry Richert and John Shumway to share his story.
He was waiting for an elevator at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC when the doors opened and revealed a "man lying face down in the elevator."
Murphy recognized the man as a mail clerk in the building, and quickly realized he was in cardiac arrest.
Murphy jumped into action and "maintained chest compressions until paramedics arrived." Murphy's staff searched the building for police and a defibrillator.
"Many buildings don't have them. Luckily, in the Capitol office buildings, they have some, not enough, but I was proud that my staff just kind of went, without any drills, knew how to do this and went into action," said Murphy.
Paramedics arrived and the man's heartbeat was re-established.
Congressman Murphy used the opportunity to raise awareness on CPR training, which he learned in the Navy Reserve.
"Let's all learn how to do CPR," he said. "That's the message here - don't standby, don't wait. Take a couple of hours out of your life to learn a skill that could save a life."
Murphy says he has never had to use his CPR training before, but says he's glad he had it.
"Training kicks in, you focus in that moment just to get a heartbeat going," he said.
Listen to the "KDKA Morning News" weekdays from 5 to 9 a.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.
Like NewsRadio 1020 KDKA On Facebook
Follow NewsRadio 1020 KDKA On Twitter
