Local man thanks first responders for saving his life

First responders are heroes, and one Bingham County man wants to thank them for saving his life.

Bruce Thompson was at the Cedar Hills Gun Club when he had a massive heart attack

“According to my physician, 97 people out of 100 die from this. So my two friends Jake Black and Jed Taylor began cpr and called 9-1-1 dispatch, they were walked through the necessary procedure to keep me going until the deputies arrived,” says Thompson.

“His friend was right on top of it, he was so attentive and he made my job really easy. He would immediately say he’s not breathing, okay he’s breathing, we need to start compressions, he was awesome,” says Kourtney Grisham, the dispatcher that responded to the call.

“I started the officers in route since it was a cardiac arrest, we get the ambulance crews involved,” says Samantha Cuttlers, another dispatcher.

Thompson says he’s thankful for the quick action of his friends.

“I choose the right friends, it feels wonderful, I wasn’t being flippant of factious, I know the quality of the people I choose to associate with.”

And the first responders.

“I’m alive today because of the teamwork and professionalism of Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.”

The dispatchers say it feels good to be appreciated.

“Not only to hear the happy outcome but to meet the gentleman we helped save, and be able to meet the friends that worked so closely with us was an amazing experience because we don’t get that very often. We don’t get to see the happy ending and be a part of that because we’re always behind the scenes, behind the headset,” says Grisham.

“It gives a good piece to know now I’m at the frontline with the officers to see them on the scene and be able to make a difference,” says Cuttlers.

And Thompson has a message.

“Next time you see a Bingham County officer, thank them, gve them a wave, say hi.”

The dispatchers also want to remind you how important it is to be specific and give as much detail as you can when placing a 9-1-1 call. They say it makes a difference and helps them do their job.