INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers were monitoring traffic during the Indy 500 Sunday morning when they received a call that a man had collapsed on Georgetown Road.
Troopers arrived at the scene where they found Robert Purgh, 80, lying on the street completely unconscious and not breathing. According to ISP, they immediately began life-saving measures.
Troopers and Susanne McAllen, a nurse, worked together to help Purgh.
Trooper Dakota Anderson brought his Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Trooper AJ Coffee began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ISP Police Sergeant Katie Salzman issued her rescue breathing mask so McAllen could provide rescue breaths, ISP said.
ISP Captain Shea Reliford provided three additional rounds of chest compressions.
Troopers administered a shock from the AED and were able to help Purgh regain a pulse.
Purgh was transported to Methodist Hospital where he is stable and awake.
“The AED made all the difference," stated John Fruehling, Purgh’s son-in-law, who was with Purgh. "Doctors said without the AED and CPR, Robert wouldn’t be here."
-
The Hill 317 kicks off season with Memorial Day climb
David Malukas opens up on why he was so emotional after Indy 500
The historic 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 finish ended in elation for Felix Rosenqvist and heartbreak for David Malukas.
The famous people that Felix Rosenqvist heard from after he won the Indy 500
Felix Rosenqvist etched his name into the record books at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, beating out David Malukas in the closest finish in Indy 500 history.
State police identify married couple after Danville police shooting
State police are still trying to figure out what happened and what led up to the deaths of the husband and wife. Investigators say it all started as a call for help at this Danville home.
