Quick Action at Corn Festival Leads to Lifesaving Recognition

Individuals who came together to save a man’s life during the North Ridgeville Corn Festival were presented with the Citizens Lifesaving Award during the September 21 North Ridgeville City Council meeting.

Mayor Kevin Corcoran and Fire Chief John Reese recognized Mike Holtzman, Chris Weissling and Benjamin Clarkson for their response to a medical emergency that occurred Friday, August 7.

A man attending the festival suffered a medical emergency that caused his heart to stop and he collapsed on Bainbridge Road. Although Holtzman, Weissling and Clarkson did not know one another before that evening, each stepped forward to help.

“These strangers…came together to help save a man’s life,” Reese told City Council as he described their actions.

Holtzman, an off-duty Beachwood firefighter, was attending the festival with family and friends when he noticed a commotion on Bainbridge Road. After finding the man on the ground, Holtzman relieved another bystander who had begun CPR and continued providing chest compressions.

Weissling, a Corn Festival Committee volunteer and graduate of paramedic school and the Tri-C Fire Academy, was volunteering elsewhere at the festival when he heard a radio call requesting someone to perform CPR. He immediately responded and joined Holtzman in providing CPR while they waited for an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Clarkson was walking along Bainbridge Road when he saw the emergency and immediately began searching for an AED. A festival volunteer directed him to the Safetyville cabin. Clarkson ran to retrieve the device, then returned it to those providing care.

Clarkson’s quick retrieval of the AED was a critical part of the response. Once the device arrived, Weissling applied the pads and administered a shock while Holtzman continued CPR. A pulse was restored before North Ridgeville Fire Department paramedics, who were stationed at the Corn Festival, arrived and assumed care.

Reese emphasized during the recognition that these men had never met before that evening. In a matter of moments, however, they worked together toward the same goal — helping a stranger in need.

The man whose life they helped save attended the City Council meeting and personally thanked Holtzman, Weissling and Clarkson for their quick actions.

In addition to receiving the Citizens Lifesaving Award from the city, Holtzman was presented with the Fire Academy Excellence in Service Award, while Weissling received the Fire Academy Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their actions.

Their response also demonstrates the importance of learning CPR and knowing how to use an AED. Immediate action by bystanders can provide critical care in the minutes before professional first responders arrive.

The City of North Ridgeville extends its gratitude to Holtzman, Weissling and Clarkson for their heroic actions, their willingness to step forward when help was needed and their role in saving a life.