by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
RILEY COUNTY - Recently, the Riley County Police Department recognized three individuals for their roles in saving the lives of community members during three separate incidents.
RCPD Director Brian Peete and Assistant Director Kurt Moldrup presented two Life Saving Awards to Dispatch Supervisor, Kimberly Boyda for her role and efforts during two separate incidents in November of 2023.
On November 10, 2023, Supervisor Boyda answered a 911 call regarding a 61-year-old female who was choking on food. At the beginning of the call, the female could be heard in the background coughing and struggling to breathe, however, the coughing stopped during the phone call and the lack of ability for the female to breathe was brought to the attention of the caller.
Boyda then switched to life-saving instruction protocol, guiding the caller through the Heimlich maneuver, which effectively cleared the airway, allowing the female's condition to stabilize until Riley County Emergency Medical Services(EMS) personnel arrived on scene. Boyda's quick action played pivotal role in preserving the life of this community member during this emergency.
Dispatch Supervisor Boyda was also recognized for her efforts on November 15th, when she received an abandoned 911 call, which she promptly returned and was connected to a distress female who stated that her husband had lost consciousness and she was not able to revive him.
Boyda utilized proprietary software to instruct the caller through life-saving instructions(CPR); getting her to initiate chest compressions, and continue them until Riley County Police Officer Brian Dow arrived on scene, along with RCEMS personnel to take over life-saving actions.
Riley County EMS Assistant Director, Josh Gering says Dispatch Supervisor, Kimberly Boyda's actions during both incidents likely contributed to the survival of both community members.
RCPD also recognized Police Officer Nicolas Dugan and Riley County citizen, Daniel Watkins for their efforts on November 7th, 2023.
Daniel Watkins was administering CPR on an unconscious 25-year-old male on Tuttle Terrace, when following a 911 distress call, Officer Dugan arrived on scene.
Officer Dugan took over life-saving efforts, adjusting the airway and continuing chest compressions.
Without the efforts of Officer Dugan and Mr. Watkins, providing life-saving measures and providing critical information to EMS upon their arrival, the outcome of the situation could have been tragic.