Four division staff members named Department of State Employee of the Second Quarter
In a ceremony at Dover’s Old State House on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock presented the Department of State’s 2016 Employee of the Second Quarter award to four members of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Preservation Maintenance Team: Greg Buchman, Chris Conley, Scott Hayes and James Scott.
As part of his remarks, Bullock read from the letter submitted by the division in support of the employees’ nomination for the award. As noted in the excerpt below, the letter described the actions that the four men had taken in helping to save the life of one of their co-workers:
On Wednesday, June 29th [2016] at about 3:00 p.m., a [Historical and Cultural Affairs] HCA employee collapsed at a job location. …
HCA employee Chris Conley moved to assist his fallen co-worker while James Scott called other staff members for assistance. Staff quickly confirmed that their co-worker was unresponsive with no detectable pulse, and they did not believe he was breathing. The situation was urgent and critical.
Chris Conley and Scott Hayes immediately began CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] while … Greg Buchman provided information to the 911 dispatcher. James Scott and Chris Conley traded places delivering CPR, with assistance from Scott Hayes, while all waited for the arrival of the paramedics. Staff continued CPR until the arrival of paramedics from Kent County EMS [Emergency Medical Services].
With the arrival of the paramedics, staff stepped aside while the paramedics began medical assessment and treatment. At this time, Greg Buchman …, at the request of the paramedics, sought needed personal information regarding the patient from the division office. Paramedics were successful in reviving the HCA employee and initiated transport to Bayhealth Medical Center.
On Wednesday, June 29th these … HCA colleagues saved the life of one of their co-workers. Historical and Cultural Affairs offers courses in CPR and AED [Automated External Defibrillator] certification to all staff; these team members had taken advantage of that training and were able to provide life-saving measures.
These … HCA employees worked flawlessly in a very stressful and emotional situation. Their courage, professionalism, and care are a model of all HCA employees.
The Delaware Department of State’s employee recognition program provides department employees with opportunities to be recognized for significant contributions, individual achievements and exceptional overall performance attained through their daily work and/or community service.