Bradley County EMS has nominated Cody Painter to be the recipient of the Community Hero Award that was instituted in 2011 to recognize citizens who get involved and go above and beyond to help save a life. This award is not given lightly and has only been presented six times thus far.
Cody Painter was at home with his grandfather, Eddie Painter on June 7, when Mr. Painter began choking. Cody initiated the 911 system and sprang into action to help his grandfather.
Mr. Painter became unresponsive and Cody had to do abdominal thrusts to try and clear the airway and actually had to perform CPR. When the Bradley County Emergency Medical Service arrived on the scene they took over patient care and rushed Mr. Painter to the hospital. Cody’s quick thinking is why Mr. Painter is still alive.
Cody’s dad, Chris Painter, is a veteran paramedic at Bradley County EMS. "Some of those lifesaving skills obviously rubbed off," officials said.
Cody is 19. He is a graduate of Cleveland State and starts the nursing program at Cleveland State in the fall.
Officials said, "We are very honored to present this award and it even makes it more special for it to be the son of one of our paramedics."