Nurse, paramedics, dog honored for saving man's life
FREEPORT, Armstrong County — A Mars man returned to the location where he nearly lost his life to celebrate Tuesday with a nurse, some paramedics and even his dog, all of whom played a role in saving him.
On July 10, Tom Kissel, of Mars, and his three-legged Pomeranian, Tater Tot, were on the dock of River Forest Yacht Club when a swell on the Allegheny River caused Kissel to be thrown off the dock, hitting his head twice and rendering him unconscious. As he floated in the water, Tater Tot swam in circles around Kissel.
The dog caught the attention of Mary Jo Lender, a nurse at Allegheny Valley Hospital, and her husband, Brian, as they were docking. While her husband went to retrieve Tater Tot, Lender spotted Kissel's arm in the water. She screamed for help, and her husband and some fellow marina members were able to hoist Kissel out of the water.Kissel had no vital signs. Lender began performing CPR, and continued for almost 20 minutes until paramedics arrived.“I knew it wasn't a good situation, and our only defense was to continue compressions,” Lender said. “I was in full nurse mode.”The first responders were able to shock Kissel's heart back into rhythm.Kissel remained in a coma for two days and was unable to recall the incident when he regained consciousness. He suffered fractures in his ribs and sternum from the resuscitation. In two weeks, he was well enough for release.“I was dead,” Kissel said. “I went, and they brought me back.”On Tuesday, Kissel celebrated with his heroes, Lender and Tater Tot, at a ceremony on the river where his life was saved.The celebration was held by the Allegheny Health Network to honor Kissel's good health as well as the first responders who contributed to his rescue.Doctors, county officials, AHN professionals, family and friends all attended the ceremony at River Forest Yacht Club, located on the Allegheny River.Milissa Hammers, chief nursing officer of Allegheny Valley Hospital, opened the proceedings by noting that Lender's actions on the dock that day don't surprise her.“She's a true hero,” Hammer's said of Lender.Members of the American Heart Association were in attendance to honor Lender with the “Heart Hero Award” for her aid in the rescue.First responders, including 911 operators, EMS and local police also were recognized for their contribution to the “chain of survival” for Kissel's life. Kissel said he is glad that everyone involved in the rescue is getting recognition.“Police don't always get to see the outcome of the good work they do,” Kissel said.Even Tater Tot, dressed in a tuxedo for the event, received a basket of toys, treats and a certificate for his role in saving his owner.Kissel's wife of 40 years, Tonia, said Tater Tot was inherited from their son four years ago. Tater Tot is 14 years old and has had three surgeries for cancer, which resulted in the loss of one of his hind legs.Kissel said his loyal companion either jumped in or fell into the water with him, he's not sure.“He was swimming in circles around me,” Kissel said. “He must have known that if (he) stuck around, I'd be OK.”Toward the end of the ceremony, Kissel thanked everyone who helped him survive, especially Lender.“(She) didn't give up on me,” Kissel said. “That's really special. She didn't give up.”Kissel hopes to take the Lenders out for dinner eventually as an act of gratitude.“I can't do enough for them,” Kissel said.Lender has been a cardiac services nurse at Allegheny Valley hospital for 33 years. She said the celebration is overwhelming, especially since this is her life's work.“I'm emotional about it, I still am. I'll never forget,” Lender said. “(Kissel) was lucky to have all of us. I didn't do it alone.”Kissel said he's recovering well, and back to boating on the Allegheny.“Thank you to everyone who helped me survive, especially (Lender),” Kissel said. “And I'm happy my dog got some recognition.”
