Page 10 - SRNS_Today_September_2021

10 | SRNS TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2021

Red Cross Heroes

John Melton Jason Benton Cal Cannon

S everal SRNS employees were honored for their
lifesaving actions by the Red Cross of Augusta at
the Heroes Breakfast held on Sept. 15.
“When I got a call from the America Red Cross
The Heroes Breakfast is an annual event established in that I was nominated (for this award),
an effort to raise public awareness of local heroes and I felt overwhelmed. We do this
volunteers who strive to carry out the mission of the Red not to be recognized as heroes,
Cross. Honorees are chosen for their acts of bravery and but it was great to be appreciated.”
service to the community.
Dale Kizer
Savannah River Site Fire Department (SRSFD) firefighters
John Melton and Cal Cannon were recognized with the
Fire Rescue Hero Award. While attending a funeral for
a fellow firefighter in Barnwell, they noticed a man had
collapsed and was in cardiac arrest. Melton immediately
began CPR while other firefighters in attendance located Team Hero Award. The three medics were dispatched
an AED and assisted Melton. After several minutes of to transport a Site employee to the hospital. On the
CPR, the patient was revived and conscious. Melton and way, the employee was talking and answering questions
Cannon stayed with them until local EMS arrived, where when they began to quickly deteriorate. After assessing
they gave a report on the man’s condition. the condition of the employee, the medics recognized
the signs of a brain bleed (headache, unilateral paralysis
“My interest in the fire service and EMS field started the and nausea) and activated a stroke alert, which notifies
day I was born. My dad was the Fire Chief in Williston a receiving hospital that a potential stroke victim is in
for 27 years,” said Melton. “To be able to follow in his route. The medics’ rapid identification of the symptoms
footsteps…is an honor and I hope I’ll be able to live up to of hemorrhagic stroke ensured that a critical care team
and fulfill his legacy the best I can.”
was prepared for the patient’s arrival at the receiving
Cannon was previously awarded the Water Rescue Hero hospital and facilitated the rapid delivery of lifesaving
Award at the 2020 Heroes Breakfast for his actions in medication and care.
saving the lives of two adults and a toddler involved in a “When I got a call from the America Red Cross that I
late-night boating accident.
was nominated (for this award), I felt overwhelmed. We
SRSFD EMTs Robert Ratcliff and Dale Kizer and do this not to be recognized as heroes, but it was great
paramedic Jason Benton were honored with the Medical to be appreciated,” said Kizer.