University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers are being hailed heroes after resuscitating a 78-year-old woman at a UH men’s volleyball game in early January. According to DPS, ushers at Stan Sheriff Center alerted officers that the victim collapsed. Officers Steve Miller and Bryne Nagata discovered the woman had no pulse and immediately began CPR. Shortly after, Officer Jann Dela Cruz administered an automated external defibrillator (AED) until paramedics and firefighters arrived.
“We are always prepared and ready for something like this,” said Officer Nagata. He has worked with DPS for six years and also serves as a certified First Aid/CPR/AED instructor at UH Mānoa.
“While we hope that we never have to use these skills, we have the training and experience to handle emergency incidents. This was a team effort, and I am thankful for all DPS and arena staff who supported our efforts that night,” Nagata said.
The woman has since been released from the hospital after being taken there in serious condition after the incident.
“The clear thinking of these security officers during this medical emergency, allowed them to put their training into action. Their efficient and timely response resulted in a life being saved. On behalf of the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, we commend Officers Steve Miller, Bryne Nagata and Jann Dela Cruz for being the critical link in the chain of survival,” said a Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokeswoman.
UH Mānoa implemented AEDs on campus in 2011.
DPS offers First Aid/CPR/AED courses to students and employees. To learn more visit: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/dps/firstaid.html.
