Quick response by several city officials likely saved the life of a man who collapsed while addressing the Decatur City Council on Monday.
Russell Shulke, a frequent attendee of council and other civic meetings, regularly reads prepared remarks and historical commentary on agenda items during the time designated for appearance of citizens. He was speaking about the Decatur Public Library on Monday when he trailed off, gripped the podium, wavered and fell backward.
Fire Chief Jeff Abbott, seated in the first row of the audience, caught Shulke before he hit the floor. City Manager Tim Gleason; Interim Police Chief Jim Getz; Councilwoman Dana Ray, who is a physician; and several other city personnel rushed to assess Shulke's vital signs and offer aid.
Abbott and Ray administered CPR, then used an automated external defibrillator to revive Shulke.
The larger-than-usual crowd for the council meeting gasped when Shulke fell, then sat in stunned silence for a few minutes before being asked to leave the chambers.
Decatur Fire Department personnel arrived within minutes and took over lifesaving efforts, followed by paramedics from Decatur Ambulance Service, who transported Shulke from the Decatur Civic Center to the hospital.