Ridgefield, NJ — Jul 29, 2026: When a fellow volleyball player collapsed from cardiac arrest during a tournament at The Island a few weeks ago, GD employees were among those who sprang into action — and their quick, coordinated response is now being credited with helping save his life.
Mitch Scott and Kira Grahame were watching nearby when a close friend collapsed on the court after serving the ball. As the situation unfolded, Mitch performed the initial assessment and supported the airway while another bystander who is also CPR-trained began chest compressions. Kira called 911 and stayed on the line with dispatch, relaying information and coordinating the emergency response. Mitch then helped manage the scene and coordinated use of the on-site AED. The AED advised and delivered a shock, and within seconds, the man was alert and responsive. The group remained with him until first responders arrived, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
For their roles in the response, Mitch and Kira were honored with an Outstanding Community Service Award by the Aurora Fire Department and Falck Ambulance Services on Monday, July 13th.
"We're incredibly grateful he's doing well — that's what matters most," said Mitch. "We're honored by the recognition, but being able to help him is what truly mattered."
The quick, coordinated response traces back to a companywide training that GD funded for its entire staff two years ago. “Every day, GD's team helps EMS and hospitals provide better care for their patients in line with our core purpose, "to improve the health and well-being of the public at large". Our CPR initiative extended that commitment to our employees, their families and communities - just in case something like this happened.
“It goes without saying that we are extremely proud of Mitch and Kira for being all-in and making a life-saving difference for this person.” - Curt Bashford, CEO.
Notably, Kira, who was not part of the company at the time of the training, also played a critical role, underscoring that in an emergency, calm and quick thinking from anyone nearby can make the difference between life and death.
GD is proud of the employees involved for their composure and quick action, and congratulates Mitch and Kira on their recognition from the Aurora Fire Department and Falck Ambulance Services.
GD is a HealthTech company specializing in communication solutions that help EMS and hospitals deliver simply seamless patient care. Powered by responsive innovation, GD’s user-friendly solutions facilitate rapid, secure, voice, telehealth and data sharing communications across care teams to help save time, money and lives. Backed by a 40+ year history and thousands of implementations, GD is an experienced industry leader. Visit https://general-devices.com/ to learn more.
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