Concord, NH – On May 13, 2021, 911 Telecommunicator Marti Dennerly answered a 911 call for a Concord Banks Chevrolet service technician who had passed out in the bed of a truck in the Service Center. The caller, who was not near the patient, reported the employee was found unconscious and turning purple. Police and EMS dispatch were notified immediately. TC Dennerly successfully connected with a person who was with the patient.

Following the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch protocol, TC Dennerly instructed the caller to get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if one was available; another employee retrieved the one and only AED in the building. Dennerly assisted the caller with correct application of the defibrillator, advised the caller how to follow the AED prompts and instructed the caller through correctly paced Compression Only CPR.

Successfully resuscitated at the scene, Concord Fire Department transported Chris LaPage to the hospital. His recovery was nothing short of a miracle. Mike Mercer, Chris' supervisor, described the event as 'the perfect storm which unfolded perfectly.' Chris returned to work full time two and a half months after his cardiac arrest. He says, 'I feel great!'

Since Chris' return, he and his wife, Deborah, have taken a CPR course and received their certifications. Deborah, who works for the Epsom Elementary School, and the Epsom school nurse have earned their CPR instructor certifications. They have provided training and ultimately CPR certifications for the school basketball coaches. Ideally, they said they hope to add CPR instruction to the 8th curriculum. As for Banks Chevrolet, their Safety Committee purchased, registered, and installed five additional AEDs for their facility. They have also sent 20-25 of their staff members through the American Red Cross training.

On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 2:00 PM, a lifesaving celebration ceremony for Chris will be held at the Service Center, Banks Chevrolet, 137 Manchester Street in Concord. Chris will have the opportunity to meet and thank the people who helped him in his time of need.

Members of the press are welcome to attend the celebration. Space is limited. Please notify DESC Informational Representative, Wanda Scott, prior to the event if you intend to attend.