Deschutes National Forest trio save colleague’s life

May 13, 2015 was a frightening day for three Deschutes National Forest employees as one of their colleagues, Steve Bigby, had a close call with death — one they helped make sure he survived.

Next Thursday, the American Red Cross will honor these workers with a Health and Safety Heroes Award.

“My life could have very well ended on that day,” Bigby said Thursday.

For Bigby, it began as a fairly typical day. He and fellow Forest Service workers were completing a routine firefighter physical test. Bigby had just finished the test and was chatting with co-workers, when something unusual happened.

Bigby suddenly collapsed. Co-worker Zeb Watts immediately started doing CPR while Sean Ferrell ran to get the automated external defibrillator, or AED. Melvin Durrant hooked up the AED, a machine he had used only once.

“I didn’t know if we could bring him back, I didn’t know if he could come back because at that point he was down for a couple minutes not breathing,” said Durrant.”Within 30 seconds or so, Steve sat up and started saying I’m sorry.”

The men’s years of training helped save a life. Bend fire EMTs took Bigby to St Charles, where he was greeted by his family. Bigby says he is extremely grateful for the commitment of his colleagues.

“My daughter refers to them as my guardian angels on earth. I totally agree with her,” said Bigby.

The doctors said Bigby suffered a heart attack. Bigby recovered at St Charles before returning to work a month and a half later.

Forest workers stress the importance of CPR and AED training.

The American Red Cross will honor the three Deschutes National Forest employees with Health and Safety Heroes awards next Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Deschutes National Forest’s Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District office, 63095 Deschutes Market Rd. The public is welcome to attend.