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."
-
Bill to redraw Indiana congressional maps heads to Senate after 57‑41 House vote
After nearly four months of debate, the Indiana House on Friday passed a bill that would allow the state’s congressional maps to be redrawn, approving the measure 57-41.
Marian University football season cut short due to eligibility violation
Marian University's football season has been cut short after the NAIA withdrew the program from the NAIA Football Championship Series due to an eligibility violation.
100-year-old IU football fan celebrates historic winning season
Dr. Phyllis Grant, one of the first women to graduate from the IU School of Medicine, has weathered decades of losing seasons from her home near Lincoln Avenue and South Main Street in New Castle.
Mother's boyfriend accepts plea deal in death of 5-year-old Kinsleigh Welty
Ryan Smith, the boyfriend of Kinsleigh Welty's mother, has accepted a guilty plea for neglect resulting in death of a dependent in connection with the 5-year-old's death in April 2024.
