They’re the people who lift up our veterans.
They are CPR trained.
They change the world one child at a time.
They put out fires and protect our communities.
They feed the hungry and care for those experiencing homelessness.
They are our Community Heroes and they stepped forward like never before this last year.
These Community Heroes are sponsored by Alpine Bank.
Eric Syrstad - Mile High
Eric Syrstad had made plans to go on a fun family outing, but instead he went out and saved a life.
A little over a month ago, Syrstad’s family was biking to a familiar location in the Rocky Mountains with the company of another family. His sons, ages 5 and 8, had a favorite spot next to a river where they enjoyed skipping rocks. The family they were with had a son the same age as their oldest. The two boys biked together, anticipating packed lunches and a fun place to play near the water.
Upon arriving at their intended destination, Syrstad and his wife immediately noticed that the sandbank they had frequented was now almost entirely underwater. The river was high and flowing fast- significantly more than it had been when they were at this location only a week earlier. While waiting for the rest of their party to catch up, the couple stayed with their youngest and discussed what they should do about the situation.
Meanwhile, the two older boys ran a short distance further downstream towards the river bank.
As the boys got closer to the water, the bicycle helmet began slipping off the head of their son’s friend- in a rushed effort to fix it, the boy lost his balance and slipped into the racing waters. Syrstad bolted to rescue the boy who was now clinging for his life on the side of the riverbank. When he had nearly reached the boy, the helmet slipped off the boy’s head and swept into the rapids. The boy lunged out to retrieve his helmet and was immediately pulled underwater from the current.
Caleigh Cole and Rheinlander Bakery - Mile High
Jim McKeever & Jim Francis – Mile High
Nicole Carnelli and others story - Mile High
Nicole Carnelli is no stranger to life-threatening situations. As an ICU nurse, the quality of care she delivers to her patients is absolutely critical. While her daily work can be considered hero work, it doesn’t end there. On this day, Carnelli unexpectedly found herself working side-by-side with some other local heroes at Scott Carpenter Pool in Boulder, CO.
On June 17th, Scott Sorenson had been lying on a pool chair relaxing. When lifeguards noticed that the man suddenly appeared to be seizing, they rushed over to help. Nicole Carnelli, who had also jumped on the scene, immediately checked his pulse. When she failed to detect a pulse, she began to deliver chest compressions.
Working together, lifeguards Mick Konstantopoulo, Trew Mundy, and Recreation Supervisor Tim Stabbe took over the chest compressions and applied the automated external defibrillator. When the machine advised “no shock”, the crew provided Sorenson with supplemental oxygen and continued CPR. While the triad delivered aid, Casey Hopkins dialed for emergency services. After a cycle of CPR, Sorenson’s pulse had returned- though he remained unresponsive.
CPR, when done immediately, can double or even triple the chance of survival. By taking instant action and working together Carnelli, Konstantopoulo, Mundy, and Stabbe were able to save a life. Thanks to these heroes, Sorenson is now anticipated to make a full recovery.
Additional sources:
CPR Facts and Stats | American Heart Association CPR & First Aid
Community members awarded for saving man’s life at Boulder’s Scott Carpenter Pool (dailycamera.com)