Hood Employees Honored at Annual Meeting

CONCORD - September 18, 2006 - Two employees from the fluid milk processing plant of the HP Hood Company on North State Street, Concord will be honored at the Chapter's Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 21. Their quick and well-trained action using CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) saved the life of a fellow employee.

In July, the employee was found unconscious on the floor. Hood employees Freddie Kwayisi and Tom Wertman acted immediately. After summoning others to the scene and activating the EMS system, Freddie and Tom assessed the situation and gave instructions to others to meet the ambulance and direct them to the scene.

The victim showed no signs of breathing, no pulse and had a blue color. Freddie and Tom, both trained in CPR, began rescue breathing and chest compressions. Soon the victim started to show signs of life. EMS responders arrived at the plant and administered oxygen to the victim who began to respond to questions.

"It is indescribable to express the feelings that we have experienced as a company," said David Crowley, Environmental Health & Safety Director for Hood, "to have someone who was blue and showed no signs of life suddenly come back with CPR techniques provided by trained employees Ð it's just incredible."

CPR training is an added benefit an employer can offer to employees, continued Crowley. You don't know when you'll need it, but when you do, seconds count and proper training is critical. Tom was trained in CPR/First Aid through the American Red Cross and Freddie received CPR/First Aid training through the American Heart Association. Their efforts on that day demonstrate the pledge of the American Red Cross that "we'll be there" in a time of need.

At the awards ceremony, Priscilla Greene, executive director of the Chapter, will present the two rescuers with Certificates of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action. Awards will also be given to other outstanding volunteers.

The ceremony will be held at the Chapter Office on 2 Maitland Street, Concord. A reception will start on Thursday at 5 pm, followed by the ceremony and meeting from 5:30 to 6:30. The Concord Area Chapter serves the Concord Area, Lakes Region and North Country. For more information about the ceremony or CPR/First Aid training, call the Red Cross Chapter at (603) 225-6697 or (800) 464-6692.

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