The Board of Commissioners for Memphis Light, Gas and Water honored employees Aaron Barbas and Dwight Alexander with the Division’s Hero Award on Wednesday morning. Each employee took lifesaving action in separate incidents.

Friday, November 22, 2019, former Mechanic’s Helper, Aaron Barbas was picking up parts at an auto store when a store employee collapsed. Aaron began chest compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administered shocks with an automated external defibrillator (AED). He continued his efforts for close to 30 minutes. The store employee survived the incident and is recovering from surgery.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019, Transportation Foreman Dwight “Dee” Alexander stopped at a convenience store to fuel up when he saw a man collapse in the doorway. Dwight jumped out of his truck to help and began CPR. He successfully resuscitated the victim twice before the arrival of paramedics. The victim was conscious and trying to get up on his own when paramedics took over from Dwight.

When a person’s heart stops, lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in minutes. CPR helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until a normal heart rhythm is restored and healthcare professionals are available. February is heart month; a great time to learn lifesaving CPR skills. Every MLGW employee receives CPR training which includes recognizing signs of heart attack.

 

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.