DEC 1 2006
The quick and efficient response of the emergency response team at PCS Phosphate Geismar saved a contract worker's life when he suffered a heart attack at the facility.Ron Hengst, an employee with Plant Maintenance Services, was found slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle by a Geismar employee. Plant Maintenance Services was contracted to work on the phosphoric acid plant turnaround, and Hengst was assisting in the planning and co-ordination of the project.The emergency response team was contacted and quickly arrived on the scene with first response equipment and medical supplies. They laid an unconscious Hengst in the bed of his truck and took his vitals before hooking him up to an automated external defibrillator (AED), which measures a person's heart rhythm and determines the appropriate shock needed. The AED indicated a shock was not necessary so the team proceeded to give Hengst oxygen. He regained consciousness and was able to talk.The plant nurse and doctor arrived with the plant ambulance, which took Hengst to the helipad to meet the air med helicopter. On the way, he suffered another heart attack and the plant doctor revived him with the ambulance's defibrillator. Hengst was then airlifted to the Baton Rouge General Hospital where he later underwent surgery for blockages in his heart.The doctor later said Hengst owes his life to the first response care, particularly the administration of oxygen, that he received at PCS Phosphate Geismar. Hengst has since recovered and is back at work, including contract work at the Geismar site.Brad Gibbs, Robin Gaudin, Charles King, Wylie Kirby, Cody Sewell, Mike Varnado, Steve Viller, Pam Walsh and Willie Wiggins all train as members of the emergency response team on site. The team meets once a quarter and is planning to increase the frequency of its first response training."We practice different emergency scenarios as part of our training and I'm happy to see how well our team responds in a real emergency," said Mike Varnado, Safety Facilitator at PCS Phosphate Geismar. "They did a really good job and did everything they were supposed to do, and I'm proud to have this team responding to any emergency situation."The squad was commended for their efforts by Plant Maintenance Services' Vice President."These individuals deserve personal commendation for their performance, conduct and demeanor in a life-threatening situation," said Gregory Geisen in a letter to PotashCorp Geismar. "Your emergency response team is a shining example of the commitment PCS has placed on safety and the requisite training of their employees."
