Red Cross to honor 3 USFS workers for saving colleague’s life
Next week, the American Red Cross will honor three Deschutes National Forest employees with Health and Safety Heroes awards for using their safety training to save the life of a fellow employee.
The award ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the Deschutes National Forest’s Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District office, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, on Thursday, February 11, at 11 a.m.
Honored at the ceremony will be Melvin (Mel) Durrant, Zebron (Zeb) Watts and Sean Ferrell.
Last May 13, Mel and Zeb were conducting an annual physical fitness test called the “pack test,” which is required for all employees who are active in fire management whether they are firefighters or support personnel. The activity involves walking a pre-determined course within set time limits.
After completing the course Sean Ferrell and fellow employee, Steve Bigby, were talking with Mel and Zeb at the finish line. Suddenly ,Steve collapsed with an apparent heart attack.
Using their training, Mel, Zeb and Sean went into action, applying high performance (hands-only) CPR, calling 911 and retrieving an AED, oxygen and a trauma kit from a nearby vehicle. Zeb did CPR while Sean and Mel applied a shock using the AED. Fortunately,
Steve was revived before Bend Fire EMTs arrived on the scene. Bend Fire EMTs then transported Steve to St. Charles Medical Center where he was treated. Since that time Steve has recovered and returned to work.
Along with honoring the three employees, the award recognizes the Forest Service and Deschutes National Forest for maintaining a well-developed program of safety and emergency response training and equipment for their employees.
Background:
Melvin (Mel) Durrant is a Supervisory Forestry Technician (Fire)for the Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest
Zebron (Zeb) Watts is a Forestry Technician (Fire) for the Sister’s Ranger District, Deschutes National Forest. Sean Ferrell is a Partnership and Volunteer Coordinator for the Deschutes National Forest.
