While on break while fulfilling their duties in Highland Park by York Boulevard and Avenue 52 in the afternoon of Aug. 18, 2015, LADWP power maintenance and construction helpers Raul Jaime and Jose Gonzalez took quick action to help save the life of an unconscious man whom they encountered by happenstance. The LADWP employees observed a man slumped over the steering wheel of a parked vehicle. The two began to yell and knock on the window to get his attention. When the man remained unresponsive, Jaime continued trying to wake him while Gonzalez dialed 9-1-1.
With instructions from the 9-1-1 operator, the pair opened the unlocked driver’s side door and attempted to wake the victim. When the man remained unresponsive and Jaime determined he wasn’t breathing, the operator instructed them to begin CPR.
Jaime administered rescue breathing with help from Gonzalez and an LAPD Detective that arrived on scene. Shortly thereafter, the man regained consciousness and began breathing. Paramedics arrived on the scene minutes later to take over.
“The actions of these compassionate public servants exemplify the dedication of our employees to the people of Los Angeles. They made a difference by going out of their way and saving a man’s life,” said LADWP General Manager Marcie Edwards.
Jaime and Gonzalez’s supervisors William Helfrich and Ben Hildenbrand received a call from the City Fire Station 55 Captain to commend these two employees for their courageous actions that saved the man’s life.