A local firefighter/paramedic was honored for saving the life of someone at a celebration in Donahue in September.

Muscatine Fire Mechanic/Paramedic Michael Collins was presented the Scott County Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Award at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in Eldridge for his life-saving actions during an incident at the Donahue Days Celebration. Collins was one of three first responders who were honored for their efforts to assist a female victim.

Firefighter Michael Collins with his Life Saving Award plaque.

“Off Duty Paramedic Mike Collins was at the right place and right time to jump into action and offer aid at the Donahue Days Celebration when a female volunteer collapsed,” Muscatine Fire Chief Jerry Ewers said. “His performance on the scene along with an off-duty Davenport Firefighter and a Scott County Reserve Deputy shows their dedication and commitment to providing care to citizens in need, no matter where they are.”

Muscatine Fire Department staff attended the awards ceremony in Eldridge to show support for Mike and the others.

“I’m proud to help recognize his efforts off the job and proud that he works for us here in Muscatine protecting and caring for the citizens of our community,” Chief Ewers said.

According to the Citation for Life Saving Award:

On Sept. 3, at  0925 hours, Reserve Deputy Todd Malone was wrapping up an assignment at Donahue Days Celebration at the Donahue Fire Department when a female volunteer collapsed into his arms.

Reserve Deputy Malone was able to catch her and assist her to the ground preventing further secondary injuries. Also, near-by were off-duty Muscatine Firefighter Michael Collins and off-duty Davenport Firefighter Brent Arp.

The female patient was quickly assessed and determined to be unresponsive with no pulse was found. Reserve Deputy Malone and FF Collins initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while FF Arp went inside Donahue Fire and retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Reserve Deputy Malone radioed Scott Emergency Communications (SECC) for further medical assistance. Although a shock was not advised, FF Arp further assisted by opening the patient’s airway. Through CPR the female patient regained a pulse and consciousness. FF Arp assisted MEDIC Ambulance personnel by riding in the ambulance with the crew and patient to the hospital.

Without the quick actions by all involved, and especially the early intervention of CPR by Reserve Deputy Malone, Firefighter Collins, and Firefighter Arp this could have had a different outcome. The actions of all involved reflect great teamwork, and credit upon themselves, their community, and their agencies.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office Life Saving Award is hereby awarded to Muscatine Firefighter Michael Collins for his life-saving actions during this incident.