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Off-duty Ala. fire lieutenant saves man during YMCA cardiac arrest

Montgomery Fire/Rescue Lt. Demetrius Gilmore was playing pickleball when he helped perform CPR and use an AED on a man in cardiac arrest

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Lieutenant Demetrius Gilmore.

Montgomery Fire Rescue/Facebook

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Montgomery Fire/Rescue is recognizing Lt. Demetrius Gilmore for helping save a man’s life while off duty at the Bell Road YMCA.

On June 11, Gilmore was playing pickleball when he noticed a disturbance on a nearby court, the department reported. When he went to investigate, he found a man collapsed on the gym floor with no pulse and showing signs of cardiac arrest.

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Gilmore immediately began providing care until additional help arrived, helping stabilize the patient during the medical emergency.

Gilmore directed YMCA staff to call 911 and retrieve an AED while he began CPR. He also coordinated bystanders to assist with the rescue effort.

When the AED arrived, Gilmore applied the pads and delivered a shock as directed by the device. After another round of CPR, the man regained a pulse and began breathing on his own.

“Lieutenant Gilmore’s actions reflect the values of Montgomery Fire/Rescue and demonstrate the professionalism, dedication, and commitment we expect from our firefighters,” Fire Captain C.L. Wright said. “His calm response and quick decision-making made a real difference in this situation.”

Montgomery Fire/Rescue crews arrived shortly afterward and continued advanced medical care. Before the patient was transported to Baptist Medical Center South, he had regained consciousness and was alert and responsive.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.