“The Lifesaving Medal shall be awarded for acts that display anticipation, ingenuity, and participation in unexpected and/or unusual situations in the saving of a life. Such event(s) shall not place the nominee at extreme personal risk.”

Chuck Fedak, Firefighter
Medal Presented: January 28, 2008
On October 22, 2007,  Chuck Fedak was driving on the 22 freeway when he came upon a traffic accident that had just occurred involving two vehicles.  One vehicle was upside down with a person trapped inside.  There were no emergency vehicles yet on scene.  As Chuck assessed the victim he found her to be facing backwards, unconscious, not breathing, and with a weak carotid pulse.  Her mouth was full of blood and her shirt was pulled tightly across her neck.  Chuck scooped the blood from the victim's mouth, cleared it away from her face, and positioned and secured her airway.  At this time the victim took a gasping breath and began breathing spontaneously.  Chuck stayed with the patient until members of the Garden Grove Fire Department arrived and assumed patient care.  Had Chuck not stopped and rendered care, the severity of the patients’ injuries and her inability to clear and protect her own airway would almost certainly have proven fatal prior to the arrival of emergency units.

Jane Lambert, Nurse Educator
Medal Presented: November 6, 2006
On June 15, 2006, while sitting in the grand stands at San Clemente High School’s graduation ceremony, Jane Lambert realized the need for medical attention for an elderly gentleman who appeared to be having a heart attack. She took control of the scene and assessed the unconscious patient. After confirming the patient was pulseless and not breathing, she initiated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). upon arrival of OCFA paramedics, they applied the cardiac monitor to find the patient in ventricular fibrillation and administered one shock. As a result, the patient converted to a viable cardiac rhythm was stabilized and transferred to the hospital where he was released from the hospital for a full recovery.

Courtney Dowis, Reserve Firefighter
Medal Presented: November 6, 2006
On March 21, 2006, while working out at a local 24-Hour Fitness, Courtney Dowis noticed a commotion from across the room. She realized the need for medical attention for a gentleman who fell to the ground from a stationary bike and appeared to be having a heart attack. She assessed the unconscious patient, took control of the scene, directed one fitness member to call 9-1-1, and then directed an another employee to retrieve their Automated External Defibrillator (AED). She initiated two-person Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with one of the employees. With the arrival of the AED, she initiated the machine, placed the electrical pads on the patient chest, and administered the first shock to the patient. As a result, she restored respirations and heart beat to the patient prior to the arrival of OCFA paramedics. The patient was later transported to Irvine Medical Center and survived.