‘Right place, right time.’ Weston police officer credited with helping save bank teller’s life
Boyles grabbed his medical equipment from his car, ran into the Weston branch of Fairfield County Bank and found a teller who had collapsed.
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Officer Jim Boyles is often on patrol at Weston's Town Center. It turns out that's exactly where he needed to be on the afternoon of Aug. 21.
“Right place, right time,” Boyles told News 12. “I was flagged down by a patron of the bank who came running over stating that there was somebody at the bank that was dying.”
Boyles grabbed his medical equipment from his car, ran into the Weston branch of Fairfield County Bank and found a teller who had collapsed.
“She was unresponsive. She wasn't breathing. She started to turn cold, and she was blue,” Boyles recalled.
He said he immediately began CPR and made sure Weston EMS was notified.
“My instincts kicked in, and I just did what I had to do to try to save her,” Boyles said.
Weston EMS and a Norwalk paramedic took over care when they arrived and rushed the woman to the hospital. Boyles got an update from them later that day.
“I was told by one of the EMTs that actually transported her that by the time they left the hospital that she was up and talking to the doctors,” Boyles explained. “And they said, ‘You know, it was a good job.’”
Weston police chief Edwin Henion was told the same thing.
“I heard from the chief of Weston’s EMS service, complimenting Officer Boyles on his great response and his opinion that it was instrumental in helping EMS save the patient’s life,” Henion told News 12. “When a person has an event like that, giving medical aid to them immediately is critical.”
The chief credited Boyles' training.
“In Weston, the police officers are certified as medical response technicians. Many times, they're the first responders on scene, but it was textbook classic cooperation between all the services,” Henion said.
He and Boyles both called it a group effort.
“I don't feel that I'm a hero in any which way, just I'm glad that I was there at the time to help and to be part of that team,” Boyles stated.
“The guys did a great job. I’m proud of their efforts out there every day. What they do for the town is amazing,” Henion added.
Boyles said he's heard the teller should make a full recovery and is expected back at work soon. Boyles plans on stopping by to see her when she returns.
Fairfield County Bank released a statement to News 12 about the incident: "Every day throughout Fairfield County our communities’ first responders begin as heroes by simply putting on their uniforms. Fairfield County Bank cannot thank Officer Boyles enough for demonstrating heroism in the most profound of ways – saving the life of one of our bank’s employees, one of our family members, when they experienced a significant medical emergency. While his humble nature is to redirect attention, Officer Boyles is a true hero and remarkable representation of the great first responders everywhere. From all of us at Fairfield County Bank, thank you Officer Boyles."
