West Virginia Trooper's Quick Actions Save Man's Life

WELCH, West Virginia — A man with no pulse in the drive-through lane of a fast-food restaurant in McDowell County was revived due to the quick actions of West Virginia State Police troopers.

Trooper M.D. Brooks, of the Welch Detachment, was on a traffic stop in the area Friday at the time of the incident and was flagged down by employees of Wendy’s restaurant, according to a press release by Sgt. M.S. Haynes.

“Trooper Brooks immediately responded to the scene, assessed the unresponsive male’s condition and began CPR, initiating chest compressions,” Haynes said.

Trooper Brooks said it was initially apparent that the man was dead.

“I’m not a medical expert, but it was apparent he was gone,” Brooks said. “I did chest compressions for a little over five minutes. After about five minutes I got a pulse.”

Brooks said the victim’s pulse fluctuated between being strong and weak.

“He was in and out,” Brooks said.

Brooks said he was then relieved by Trooper J.C. Woods and Department of Natural Resources Officer K. Little.

At 4:17 p.m., Trooper Brooks advised 911 that the victim had regained a pulse, Haynes said. The call of the unresponsive male came in to McDowell County 911 at 4:11 p.m.

Brooks praised Woods and Little, saying he was thankful for their assistance. Brooks, Woods and Little all did chest compressions on the victim.

Brooks said he was flagged down before the call went out to 911.

“It was just God, I guess, that they saw me and pulled me over,” Brooks said. “Everything added up and the stars aligned.”

Haynes said emergency medical services arrived on scene and transported the victim to Welch Community Hospital for medical treatment, at which point he was alert.

“The victim was then admitted into the hospital and is listed in stable condition,” Haynes said.

Brooks said he visited the victim in the hospital.

“He went from being dead, to me having a conversation with him at the hospital,” Brooks said.

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