Gary Williams was just looking for a little relaxation Feb. 22 when he stopped by American Legion Post 108 in Oxford.
The 47-year-old Lapeer resident had no idea he’d end up giving a woman in distress mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and saving her life.
‘It’s not something you look forward to, but you do what you can,? Williams said.
Williams, who’s a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 108, was trying to unwind by playing darts following a 12-hour shift at Pentastar Aviation in Waterford, where he’s worked as aircraft mechanic for six years.
All of the sudden someone came in asking if anyone knew CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). A 64-year-old Waterford woman was outside in a vehicle, unconscious and unable to breathe.
Acting on instinct, Williams, whose background includes being a lifeguard and an Eagle Scout, put down his darts, told someone to call 9-1-1 and went out to help.
He found the woman was ‘pale? with ‘real blue? lips and had an oxygen tube around her neck.
Williams determined she had a ‘real strong pulse,? but she ‘just wasn’t getting any air.?
He began to give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as the woman faded in and out of consciousness.
Williams continued the breathing once every five seconds until paramedics from the Oxford Fire Department arrived on the scene.
‘By the time we got her to the hospital, she was more alert,? said Oxford EMS Coordinator Nancy Hunger. ‘She was talking. All her vitals were good, so she did improve.?
Hunger said apparently the woman has a respiratory condition that was aggravated by the cold air.
‘I’m glad that she lives for another day,? Williams said. ‘I’m glad she had the power to come through.?
A modest man, Williams doesn’t view himself as a hero. ‘I was able to help somebody that was in need,? he said.
He’s just happy he knows skills like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR, the latter of which involves chest compressions.
‘It’s not something I do everyday or practice, but I have been taught and luckily, I was able to help,? he said.
This is the third time Williams has used his emergency medical skills.
The first time involved a gentleman at work who suffered a heart attack and unfortunately didn’t make it. The second time involved a drowning person who survived.
Williams wishes more people would take the time to learn how to do rescue breathing and CPR.
‘Would I want another person to die in my arms because of something that I didn’t do properly or I just didn’t do? No sir, I’d rather at least try.?