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 Tennessee Commissioner of Safety David Mitchell, right, presented Jessica Doak of Bedford County EMA on Thursday with certificates of appreciation to recognize her performance of life-saving CPR last month. At left is EMA Director Scott Johnson. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo] |
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On May 9, Doak was in her office at the EMA building on Railroad Avenue when the staff of the state driver's license testing station, which occupies the front portion of the building, called out, telling her that a female customer had fallen.
Doak checked Mary Graham, whose heart had stopped, and performed CPR compressions. Graham was transported to Nashville by Vanderbilt LifeFlight helicopter and is recuperating.
Mitchell presented certificates of recognition from the Safety Department, the Homeland Security Office and Gov. Phil Bredesen during the program at Shelbyville Rotary Club. He said Doak's achievement highlights the importance of the work being done by all first responders.
"They're out there every day doing this, and they don't get the recognition they deserve."
EMA director Scott Johnson also participated in the recognition.
Doak told the Times-Gazette on Friday that she was surprised and honored by the tribute -- which her co-workers managed to keep a secret -- but said there are others who work to save lives who never receive such recognition.
Doak has known CPR for 10 years and is certified to teach it by the American Heart Association. She is operations officer at EMA and is in charge of the hazardous materials team and the technical rescue team, as well as school disaster preparation and response.
In addition to her work at EMA, she works part-time for Bedford County Emergency Medical Services, the county-owned ambulance service.