Heart Hero

Those at the Kona Research Station got a first-hand lesson in the value of CPR and first aid when ag tech Nick Yamauchi used these skills to save Marc Meisner’s life during a medical emergency in the field. As Marc, also an ag tech, explains, “In June of this year I suffered a debilitating heart attack while working with Nick Yamauchi in a somewhat inaccessible coffee field on the Kona Experiment Station in Kainaliu. I am convinced that Nick’s clear, rational thinking in administering CPR, getting some neighbors to call 911, and getting me out of the field and to an ambulance loading area saved my life. Mahalo plenty, Nick!” During the annual 2018 Hawai‘i County staff meeting held December 7 in Kona, Nick was awarded a certificate of commendation signed by Dean Comerford. Nick was recognized for his outstanding, life-saving aid performed and for bravery going above and beyond the call of duty. Further, he was commended for displaying leadership, the ability to apply CPR skills learned, and the ability to think and communicate clearly under extreme pressure. Well-deserved, Nick! If you have never taken a CPR and first aid course, or it’s been a while, please do. You could very well save a life!