Last month, a life-threatening emergency unfolded when a Lafayette-area high school student was pulled out of a swimming pool unresponsive, not breathing, and in cardiac arrest. In a situation where every second mattered, Acadiana High School senior Anthony P. acted without hesitation.
Using the skills he learned in his Emergency Medical Responder training at Acadiana High, Anthony recognized the severity of the situation and immediately began CPR.
With focus and determination, he delivered high-quality compressions, maintaining circulation and giving his classmate a fighting chance.
When Acadian paramedics and EMTs arrived, the classmate had regained a pulse, was breathing again, and was able to speak — because Anthony stepped in when it mattered most. In that critical moment, his actions gave the student a second chance at life.
This morning, on his final day of high school, Anthony was recognized by Acadian Ambulance and school administration for his heroic efforts in front of his fellow seniors. He was presented with Acadian’s Meritorious Service Award by Paramedic Caroline C.
Caroline is one of the paramedics who helps provide skills instruction for Acadiana High’s EMR program, where she first crossed paths with Anthony earlier this academic year. In a remarkable twist of fate, Caroline was the responding paramedic after the 911 call was made. Upon her arrival on scene, she and Anthony recognized one another and she learned of his lifesaving efforts.
“Today, we recognize not just what Anthony did, but who he is — a student whose courage, composure, and willingness to act reflect the very best of this school and community,” said Caroline.
During the presentation, Hub City Operations Manager Rebekah C. also offered Anthony a scholarship to the EMT course at Acadian’s National EMS Academy, giving him the opportunity to begin a career in EMS.
