Michael Tankersley and Jacob Myrick Heroics: Off-duty Miami Township firefighters Michael Tankersley and Jacob Myrick acted fast to save a man’s life during a pickleball game at Sawyer Point in Cincinnati, Ohio, earlier this week. The two were playing when they noticed another player had collapsed and quickly rushed to help.
A Quick Reaction on the Court
Michael Tankersley and Jacob Myrick were playing at the popular Sawyer Point courts when they saw something was wrong. A player had fallen and was not moving. They immediately left their game to check on him.
“It was my partner’s turn to serve, and he was taking a little bit of time to serve the ball. And he noticed that somebody was down across the court, so Jake and I ran over there,”
said Michael Tankersley in an interview with WKRC reporter Christian Hauser.
“It seemed like the guy was having a medical emergency.”
Performing Life-Saving Actions
The firefighters found the man unresponsive and quickly began CPR. Jacob Myrick started chest compressions after discovering the player had no pulse.
“We couldn’t find a pulse,”. “And he was having a very difficult time breathing.”( Jacob Myrick)
Janet Hagins, the Vice President of Operations at the facility, brought over an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help the firefighters until emergency responders arrived.
“We pressed the shock button, and then we started CPR again with the chest compressions,”. “Just a couple minutes later he was fighting us trying to stand up.”(Michael Tankersley)
The Man Recovers
Thanks to their fast action, the man started to respond before emergency medical services arrived.
“It was a huge relief and is obviously the best outcome that we could have asked for. Not that we knew for sure everything was going to be perfect at the moment, but he was able to start coming to,”.
“He was looking around, kind of started moving, and eventually he was able to talk to us and tell us he was fine.”(Jacob Myrick)
Later, the man was identified as Carey Williams, a 70-year-old retired teacher and Navy veteran. He plays pickleball about four times a week and was thankful for the help.
“I’m doing better. Can’t complain. I’m still alive. The firefighters saved my life,” (Carey Williams told FOX19).
A Life-Saving Moment
Michael Tankersley and Jacob Myrick were praised for their fast and calm actions that day.
“A few people said that to Michael and me afterwards—that they believed God put us there that day for that reason—and I truly believe so as well,” (Michael Tankersley).
News in Brief: Michael Tankersley and Jacob Myrick Heroics
Firefighters Michael Tankersley and Jacob Myrick saved 70-year-old Carey Williams after he collapsed during a pickleball game in Cincinnati. They used CPR and an AED before emergency crews arrived. Williams, a Navy veteran, survived and thanked the pair for saving his life. The quick response made all the difference.
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