Quick Action Saves Man in St. Mary’s County Cardiac Emergency

On July 8, 2025, St. Mary’s County emergency services recognized bystanders and first responders for their lifesaving actions during a cardiac emergency at the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge on June 17. Lloyd Kauffman suffered a cardiac event, and the quick response of two bystanders—an off-duty EMT and nursing student, and an off-duty nurse—proved critical. They performed CPR and used an on-site Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to stabilize him before St. Mary’s County emergency services arrived. The incident highlights the vital role of bystander intervention and accessible AEDs in saving lives.

During the June 17 incident, Kauffman experienced cardiac distress at the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge. The two bystanders immediately initiated CPR, leveraging their medical training. They retrieved and deployed an AED available on the premises, delivering critical interventions. St. Mary’s County emergency services, including personnel from the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, and DES Career EMS Division, arrived promptly, assumed care, and transported Kauffman for advanced cardiac treatment. Their coordinated efforts ensured his survival.

St. Mary’s County emergency services emphasized the significance of bystander CPR and accessible AEDs. Cardiac emergencies can strike unexpectedly, and immediate action is often the difference between life and death. The presence of an AED at the Moose Lodge and the bystanders’ ability to perform CPR were pivotal. St. Mary’s County emergency services encourages residents to learn CPR, noting that training is widely available through local programs, including those offered by the American Heart Association. Such skills empower communities to respond effectively in crises.

At the July 8 ceremony, St. Mary’s County emergency services commended the bystanders and first responders for their heroism. The department praised the dedication of its responders, who maintain rigorous training to deliver high-quality care. Kauffman and his family expressed profound gratitude, with Kauffman noting the importance of “taking the win” and appreciating a second chance at life. The event underscored the collaborative strength of St. Mary’s County emergency services and community members in emergency situations.

St. Mary’s County emergency services highlighted the broader implications of the incident. AEDs are increasingly common in public spaces, but awareness and training are essential for their effective use. The department urges residents to familiarize themselves with AED locations and seek CPR certification. Resources and training schedules are available through St. Mary’s County emergency services and local health organizations. Preparedness can transform bystanders into lifesavers, as demonstrated at the Moose Lodge.

St. Mary’s County emergency services remains dedicated to enhancing community safety through education and rapid response. The Mechanicsville incident reflects the system’s strength, combining volunteer and career responders with community readiness. As St. Mary’s County emergency services continues to promote CPR and AED training, it aims to build a resilient community prepared for unexpected medical emergencies.