American Red Cross
Wayne County Chapter

Pliant Corporation Honored With Red Cross Lifesaving Award

Newark, Monday March 17, 2008 — In 1974, the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross began teaching residents in the community how to save lives by using CPR skills to sustain life until medical personnel could arrive.  In the 34 years of offering these classes, the American Red Cross has trained tens of thousands of people how to save a life in Wayne County.   

One year ago this March, the employees of the Pliant Corporation in Macedon put that lifesaving training to good use.  Pliant employee Clyde Howard of Macedon and Physical Therapist consultant Curt DeWeese of Webster were part of an emergency response team at the plant that when activated that day were part of a chain of survival that saved their co-workers life.

Mr. DeWeese described the initial scene; “When the plant sounded the emergency tone indicating assistance was needed, I headed towards the emergency”.  “When I arrived on the scene, my co-worker was lying on floor and another co-worker was kneeling next to him cradling his head”.  DeWeese stated that the man had turned bluish purple and was unresponsive.

Within minutes employee Clyde Howard arrived on the scene.  “When I arrived on the scene, I did a quick victim assessment which revealed that he had no pulse or respiration” stated Howard.  Howard further stated that CPR needed to be started immediately.

As the two employees began CPR, a call was placed to 911 and the companies Automated External Defibrillator (AED) device was grabbed and brought to the scene.  DeWeese and Howard quickly placed the AED pads on the patient and delivered a shock to the patient’s heart.  After two more CPR and AED shock sequences, trained EMT’s arrived on the scene to take over. 

Both Howard and DeWeese were happy to report that 1 year later their co-worker is alive and doing well.  Pliant Corporation purchased the AED 14 years ago and this was the first time they had used the device.

Last week, the American Red Cross honored Howard, DeWeese, and the Pliant Corporation with the presentation of the Extraordinary Employee Action Award for their heroic actions in saving their co-workers life.  Shown receiving the award from left to right is Physical Therapist consultant Curt DeWeese of Webster, Sandy Porpiglia, Director of Community Education for the American Red Cross, and Pliant Corporation employee Clyde Howard of Macedon.

If your company is interested in either CPR training or wants information regarding the purchase of an AED device, please contact the American Red Cross at 315-331-3783.