February 2, 2010 - Shreveport Fire Chief lauds Citizen for Life-Saving Efforts

Greg Belcher to receive Citizen Bystander CPR Award

Fire Chief Brian Crawford will present Greg Belcher the Shreveport Fire Department’s Citizen’s Bystander CPR Award for his heroic life-saving efforts by initiating Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to a bystander in a local restaurant.

Ceremony Logistics: Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. Location: SFD’s Administrative Office, 263 North Common Street.

In December 2009, Stephen Price, 41, and his wife were dining in Longhorn Steakhouse in Shreveport when he suddenly fell ill causing him to lose consciousness and responsiveness. Greg Belcher, who was sitting 15 feet from the Prices’, responded immediately by administering CPR as the restaurant staff called 9-1-1.

After fire and EMS crews arrived, they provided advanced medical life support until he could be transported WK-Pierremont for further treatment and observation. The paramedics reported that Mr. Price had regained consciousness with a stable pulse and breathing on his on before arriving to the hospital.

“According to national studies, immediate bystander CPR plus defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse can improve the survival of sudden ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest patients,” said Chief Crawford. “This is another example of how the citizens of Shreveport continue to step out of their comfort zones to assist first responders in saving lives. Mr. Belcher took the necessary actions to save another man’s life. Bystander initiated CPR, SFD paramedics responding quickly to provide more advanced care and the healthcare professionals of WK-Pierremont continuing the excellent patient care completes the Chain of Survival”, added Crawford.

Along with Greg Belcher, members of the Fire Engine and Medic 3 and Fire Communication will also be recognized. The list as follows: Shreveport Fire Engineer Julian Vanhoof; Firefighters Timothy Armond and Justin Davis; Fire Engineer/Paramedic David Morgan; Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Alexander; Fire Captain/Paramedic Chad Connella; and Communication Officer Emily Simmons.

According to Stephen Price, “I am very grateful to all who helped me…it’s a miracle that I am alive.”