The V Teamer that wouldn’t be here
Thanks to quick thinking teammates, a V Teamer is alive.
From left: Edgar, Jimmy, Fel
Every Monday evening, a group of V Teamers from Irvine, CA, meets to play basketball after work. But one particular Monday last year turned into a day no one will ever forget.
“We had just started playing the second game,” recalled Edgar Perez, System Specialist from Customer Service Operations. “Then everyone stopped. I turned around and saw Jimmy laying on the floor.”
Jimmy Ward was not responsive. They called 911. Then things got even worse—Jimmy stopped breathing.
Verizon Wireless Solutions Engineer Felnimar "Fel" Gan began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on Jimmy. Not waiting another second, Edgar, who was providing details to the 911 operator, tossed his phone to another V Teamer and proceeded to help with chest comprehensions. Guided by the 911 operator, the team administered CPR until the first responders arrived. The team followed the ambulance to the hospital to make sure their friend was ok.
The team later found out Jimmy had collapsed from a heart attack. If it wasn’t for their heroic CPR efforts and the help of first responders, Jimmy would not have made it.
Several months since the dramatic events, the team is back on the court, shooting hoops together again.
The City of Irvine, CA, has awarded Edgar and Fel with a medal for his quick response and resuscitating the life of his friend and colleague. Edgar is also a recipient of the Verizon Heroes Award.
