MOUNT DORA, FLA.— Three Lowe’s Home Improvement employees were honored for their efforts that saved a person’s life last month.
Around 5 p.m., April 7, Mount Dora Fire Department (MDFD) responded to a cardiac arrest emergency at Lowe’s Home Improvement on 18795 U.S. Highway 441. “Thanks to the swift and heroic actions of Lowe’s employees, a life was saved before first responders arrived on the scene,” said Misty Sommer, City of Mount Dora spokesperson.
According to store staff, the patient had been alert and speaking with a cashier moments before suddenly collapsing, becoming unresponsive and did not have a pulse. Without hesitation, Lowe’s employee Robyn McDonald retrieved the store’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) while Jimmy Givens and Rafael Valdez initiated CPR. The team successfully delivered four AED shocks, resuscitating the patient prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Sommer said.
Upon arrival, paramedics from the MDFD and Lake County Fire Rescue provided advanced post-cardiac arrest care and transported the patient to a local hospital. At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Mount Dora City Council, in partnership with the MDFD, recognized McDonald, Givens and Valdez with Community Hero Awards for their decisive and life-saving actions.
“Had these individuals not acted so quickly and effectively, the outcome would have likely been much different,” said MDFD Chief Joseph Hightower. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of community education programs, including CPR, AED usage, and emergency response training.”