Staff Member Acts Quickly With Life-Saving CPR for Student

BRISTOL, R.I. – A recent incident on campus is serving as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of CPR and First Aid training. In mid-February, Mike Gallagher, Associate Director of Athletics for Recreational Services and Facilities, was in his Fitness Center office when he heard someone yelling for help.

 “I initially thought someone had too much weight on a bar and was trapped,” said Gallagher.

But when he ran upstairs, he discovered a student was unconscious between two treadmills. “I knew immediately the student was in trouble,” Gallagher said. He yelled for someone to call Public Safety for a rescue as he pushed the two treadmills apart to reach the student. He said the student did not have a pulse and he immediately began CPR. 

Gallagher administered 5 to 6 rounds of CPR, before the student’s pulse returned and began breathing on their own again. He added that he had an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on hand, prepared for use, but thankfully, it was not needed in this situation.

Shortly after, Public Safety personnel arrived and took over the scene, until an ambulance arrived.

“I was thankful I was in the right place at the right time and able to provide the student with life-saving measures.” Gallagher added, “Seconds seem like minutes and minutes like hours in these situations and the sooner CPR can begin, the better chance any victim has.”

The student, who wishes to remain anonymous, suffered a seizure that day but has since returned to classes and has not had any recurring symptoms.  

“I view life differently now and realize we can’t take life or health for granted,” the student said in a statement to share with the RWU community. “My family and I are incredibly thankful that Mike Gallagher was trained in CPR and present in the fitness center that day. He was able to revive me before the EMTs arrived. Without Mike, I am not sure I would be alive. We are so grateful for his response and the help of the students nearby that morning.”

“Mike’s quick actions and calm under pressure helped to save this student’s life,” said Kiki Jacobs, the Director of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation. “RWU staff have been in communication with the student and their family, and we are thankful to know the student is doing well and returned to classes.”

While there was a good outcome in this incident, the Athletics Department is exploring ways to offer CPR certification opportunities so that more members of the campus community are able to administer basic life-support measures that can save lives. “No one thinks about it until it’s needed, and then proper training is literally critical,” said Gallagher.