Peru – On December 23, 2011, at approximately 11:20 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police, the Peru Police Department, and the Miami County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a male that was unresponsive and not breathing at 2326 South Business 31, Peru, IN.

Upon arrival at the residence, Indiana State Police Sergeant T.J. Zeiser found Roy Wayne McCarty, 27, at the top of the stairwell, lying on the floor, unconscious and not breathing. McCarty’s eyes were rolled into the back of his head and his skin had a pasty look to it.  Zeiser began chest compressions on McCarty and requested an automated external defibrillator (AED) from other responding officers.  After Zeiser had completed approximately 120 chest compressions (approximately a minute and a half), Peru Police Officer Greg Martin arrived with an AED.

As the officers were attaching the AED to McCarty, they reassessed his pulse and breathing. The officers found McCarty had a light and inconsistent pulse accompanied by a partial, inconsistent, and labored breathing pattern. The officers activated the AED, which recommended that no shock be given to McCarty. An AED will only advise a shock be given if ventricular fibrillation or fast ventricular tachycardia is detected.

Medics arrived and transported McCarty to Dukes Memorial Hospital where he made a full recovery.

Sergeant Zeiser was at McCarty’s home approximately four minutes prior to the medics arriving. McCarty is believed to have suffered an overdose from prescription medication.

Troopers are trained in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation during their biannual First Responder Training.