Community Jumps Into Action to Save Lives After Cardiac Arrests

Two separate incidents in Putnam County, West Virginia highlight the importance of CPR and AEDs in public spaces

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:51am

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray image of a human heart, glowing with electrical activity, conceptually representing the life-saving power of bystander CPR and AED use during sudden cardiac events.An X-ray view of a human heart reveals the critical importance of immediate intervention during a cardiac emergency.Hurricane Today

In Putnam County, West Virginia, two people experienced cardiac arrests within 24 hours of each other, and the local community stepped in to provide life-saving assistance through CPR and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) before emergency medical services arrived. The incidents underscored the critical role bystanders can play in responding to medical emergencies and the value of having AEDs accessible in public spaces.

Why it matters

Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, and quick action by bystanders trained in CPR and access to AEDs can mean the difference between life and death. These incidents highlight the importance of community preparedness and the need for more public access to AEDs, especially in areas where people gather for sports and other activities.

The details

In the first incident, six neighbors came to the aid of a cardiac arrest victim next door, performing CPR before emergency responders arrived. In the second incident at Hurricane Bridge Park, multiple bystanders started CPR and used an AED from the concession stand to defibrillate the victim, a grandparent, before EMS arrived. Having the AED at the park provided a sense of security for visiting sports teams and their families.

  • On April 11, 2026, a cardiac arrest victim was helped by six neighbors performing CPR.
  • On April 12, 2026, a grandparent experienced a cardiac arrest at Hurricane Bridge Park, where bystanders provided CPR and used an AED before EMS arrived.

The players

Calley Yingst

A representative from Putnam County EMS who spoke about the incidents.

Andrew Burchett

An assistant coach for a team out of Prestonsburg and a cardiologist who commented on the importance of AEDs at public sports venues.

City of Hurricane

The local government that purchased the AED installed at Hurricane Bridge Park.

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What they’re saying

“One of our cardiac arrests this week had six neighbors come over next door to help through CPR before we even got there.”

— Calley Yingst, Putnam County EMS

“And it was a grandparent that went down into cardiac arrest. A multiple bystanders started CPR, and AED was received from inside the concession stand and was actually defibrillated before EMS arrival.”

— Calley Yingst, Putnam County EMS

“Well, it could be the difference between life and death. Absolutely. And, you know, there is some risk of kids getting hit in the chest and needing early treatment for an arrhythmia. But also, what would probably be more common, it's hot out here. People are out here for a long time. People are dehydrated. There's parents, grandparents, a lot of people that have heart disease already.”

— Andrew Burchett, Cardiologist and Assistant Coach

What’s next

The City of Hurricane plans to continue evaluating the need for additional AED placements in other public spaces to improve community preparedness for medical emergencies.

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the vital role bystanders can play in saving lives during cardiac emergencies and the importance of having accessible AEDs in public spaces. The quick actions of neighbors and community members in Putnam County likely made the difference between life and death for the victims.