MARANA- A Parks and Recreation aide with the town helped save a life last month after a man passed out in the Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.
On Tuesday, June 28, Alex Roberts was meeting with the special events supervisor to discuss logistics for the Star-Spangled Spectacular event when he noticed something strange.
“I noticed a congregation of individuals at the adult softball field and it was a little weird. I thought okay maybe someone got hit by a ball or maybe someone tripped so I got closer and as soon as I got close, I looked at the worried faces and realized something is not right so I asked the first guy and he had no idea and that’s when I knew something was wrong, so I ran up and talked to the people around there and they said this guy just fell over and passed out,” Roberts explained.
Alex Roberts Marana Parks & Recreation Aide
Roberts went on to say, “obviously the first thing that came to mind was the training I just had couple weeks prior for CPR and First Aid and I just started asking the proper questions….the individual was not conscious, eyes rolled back, glazed over and did not look good.”
By asking questions, Roberts was able to assess the situation and facilitate further actions. He then confirmed someone had properly contacted EMS and Northwest Fire later showed up on scene.
“I just followed what I’m supposed to do, help the community as much as possible and be there for the people that matter most…I’m part of the Town of the Marana and my goal is not to be a hero…my goal is to make everyone feel safe here and feel like they can go to any park, any place around here and have a great time without worrying about losing their grandpa, their grandma, their own loved ones, that someone will be there to help,” said Roberts.
Doctor Amber Rice, Medical Director for Northwest Fire District, said people need to make sure they are hydrating well before spending a significant amount of time outside during this triple digit heat.
“Heat-related illness can be anything from losing consciousness to heat exhaustion to heat stroke,” said Doctor Amber Rice.
“When temperatures get really hot, triple digit temperatures, this is when we recommend folks do indoor activities. Stay inside, make sure you’re not spending too much time outside when you need to be outside and make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water, more water than you think you might need and make sure you stay well hydrated.”
It is also important to know the warning signs for heat-related illness. Doctor Rice said to watch for muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, confusion and fatigue.
“At the extreme end when someone is suffering from heat stroke their body temperature becomes so elevated their brain starts to dysfunction, initially a little bit confused and eventually can become comatose if their body temperature gets too hot,” said Doctor Rice.
Doctor Rice’s biggest piece of advice is to make sure you check the weather if you know you’re going to be participating in outdoor activities to make sure the temperatures aren’t going to be too extreme. Also, exercise early before it gets too hot and bring plenty of fluids with you to stay hydrated.
Alex Roberts is about seven months into the job as a recreation aide with the Parks & Recreation Department and he said he is glad his training kicked in to help in this situation.
Roberts has this message for others to stay safe this summer.
“If you don’t feel well, sit out. If you know your limits, take your limits into account. Water is more important than you think…bring as much water as you want plus two because you never know when you’ll need more water…shade is more important than you think and Arizona heat is kind of scary. You never know when it hits you so keep an eye out with your friends and family and watch for the obvious signs,” said Roberts.
Parks & Rec Aide Alex Roberts talks about incident at Crossroads Park
Click here to learn more about the Parks & Recreation Department.
