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."
-
25-year-old man who charged Lawrence officers with knife dies after shooting
Police shot a man who reportedly charged at officers with a knife in Lawrence on Wednesday. The man is currently in critical condition. No officers were injured.Indy DPW pilot tackles e-scooter clutter downtown
E-scooters are a popular way to get around downtown, but riders say there's an issue with where to park them when they're done.Man found shot, killed on Indy's north side
A man was found shot and killed Wednesday afternoon on Indianapolis' north side, according to police.Advocates working to house those living at a Fountain Square Encampment
Tents remain at the Fountain Square encampment that was supposed to close weeks ago, as housing advocates work through a process that takes 4-6 weeks to complete.