Media release
Posted
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Sponsored by: Department of Land Use and Transportation, Administrative Services/Office of the Director Division
An employee with Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT) was recognized with a lifesaving award during the Feb. 19 Board of Commissioners meeting.
On Dec. 19, Renus Kelfkens, Project Manager, LUT Engineering and Construction Services Division, was in the parking lot of Dairy Creek Park, when he was approached by a man asking him to call 911.
Kelfkens discovered that the man's friend had collapsed and was not breathing. With support from the Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency (WCCCA) operator, Kelfkens performed chest compressions until Hillsboro Police arrived and took over lifesaving measures. A city of Hillsboro employee working in the park assisted in the event by guiding emergency responders to the scene.
Kelfkens credits his required CPR training and the calm WCCCA operator for his response in the lifesaving event.
Louisa Partain, Quality Improvement and Education Coordinator for Washington County Health and Human Services Emergency Medical Services, encouraged everyone to learn CPO so they can take appropriate action when needed.
"Because of the compassionate, selfless actions of people like Mr. Kelfkens, Washington County has one of the highest cardiac arrest resuscitations rates in the nation," Partain said. "We recognize him, and others like him, who are willing to help."
Washington County is committed to planning and protecting the uses of the land and to building and maintaining a great transportation system, balancing care for the natural environment, economic development, safety and community livability.
Media Contact:
Melissa De Lyser, Public Affairs and Communications Manager503-846-4963
[email protected]