Meridian Waste Blue Ridge Staff Saves Teammate’s Life
Meridian Waste has announced the presentation of the company’s Life Saver Award to four employees at the Blue Ridge Hauling location, 205 Scattergood Drive in Christiansburg, VA. The individuals include Kevin Sluss, Operations Manager; Teddy Hollins, Shop Technician; Andrea Altis, Sales Manager, and Katy Barkley, Customer Service Representative.
On Tuesday, March 7, Travis Cook, Lead Shop Technician, was accepting a shipment of truck tires when he suffered a massive heart attack with no warning. Fortunately, team member Teddy Hollins was present and immediately went to Cook’s side to assess the situation. Upon determining the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, Sluss implemented emergency measures and communication processes while Ashleigh Garnes, General Manager, called 911. During this time, Barkley and Altis administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) .
Fortunately, local emergency medical service (EMS) professionals were onsite in six minutes. They performed life saving measures including intubation, defibrillation, and advanced cardiac life support. Cook is in stable condition and resting at home following the incident.
“It’s wonderful that in a time of critical need, how well our team worked together and what we were capable of performing with reaction times and physical strength,” said Garnes. “I am extremely proud of our staff and truly appreciate the commitment each person dedicates to their fellow teammates and to the communities we serve,” she said. “It was remarkable to witness the EMS responders’ skill and adaptability, and we all are so thankful to have Travis with us today. He plans to return to work upon full recovery.”
The awardees will be presented with their Life Saver’s Certificate and $100 gift cards during the March safety meeting with recognition from their peers.
March 27, 2023 @ 8:45 pm
I think credit should be given where it is due. First, I’d like to say, I’m thankful that Travis is still with us today and hopeful he makes a speedy recovery. As the spouse of someone that works there, i have a little knowledge/truth that needs to be added. On that note, the “shout-outs” need to be directed more towards the ones that acted, as opposed to the ones that were just present. The emergency personnel, the man delivering the tires, that FOUND, Mr. Cook unconscious on the floor, Ms. Barkley, who provided CPR till the first responders arrived, Ms. Altis for calling 911 and last but not least God. At the time of his heart attack, Mr. Cook was alone in the garage, as per usual. I hope, Mr. Cook, rethinks returning to work after his recovery, because i’m afraid it will be short-lived considering the stressful work environment the employees are forced to face on a daily basis.