By FireRescue1 Staff
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — A veteran firefighter was saved by the quick actions of his colleagues after he became unresponsive at the station.
NBC2 reported that Rick Pride, a 13-year veteran of the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, was working out on a firehouse treadmill when he fell unresponsive on the floor.
Because Pride, 47, had propped open a door to get some extra air, his colleagues heard the collapse and rushed in to treat him, according to Chief Robert DiLallo.
“Our firefighters reacted very quickly that day, immediately going into emergency mode and starting to help him,” Chief DiLallo said. “They did not give up. They worked him and worked him until they had a shockable rhythm.”
Pride is currently in the hospital in serious condition. He is surrounded not only by his family, but by his colleagues who are watching him around the clock.
“He’s one of our key team members,” Chief DiLallo said. “We’re a family here. We work together.”
Fire Union 1826 president J.P. Duncan said Pride’s decision to keep the door open that day may have saved his life.
“He was very lucky,” Duncan said. “They were there for a reason, the crew was there for a reason, and it happened that day there for a reason.”