Officer’s Quick Action Saves a Life at Indiana Festival
Officer Anthony Whelan of Floyd County is hailed a hero after his swift CPR saved a woman's life at the Harvest Homecoming festival. Read more.
by Admin
Oct 24, 2025
A bustling community festival, alive with the sounds of joy and fellowship, became the scene of a life-or-death emergency in an instant. During the Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany, Indiana, a woman suddenly collapsed, her life hanging in the balance. But thanks to the swift action of a nearby officer, a day that could have ended in tragedy became a testament to training, teamwork, and the profound commitment of those who wear the badge.
Seconds to Respond
Officer Anthony Whelan of the Floyd County Sheriff's Office had been with the department since April 2024. While on patrol at the festival, he was alerted to the crisis. "A New Albany City police officer noticed a lady fall down on the ground, hit her head, she started seizing," Whelan recounted. "She did not have a pulse, I then rolled her over onto her back and started performing CPR until fire and EMS showed up on scene."
In moments of crisis, every second is critical. Police are often the first to arrive at medical emergencies. One study from the National Institute of Justice found that law enforcement can arrive before EMS in over half of all life-threatening medical events. Officer Whelan’s immediate response is a perfect example of why this matters. He was the first link in the chain of survival, providing the early CPR that is vital for a positive outcome. Statistics from the American Heart Association show that nearly 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when a bystander administered CPR.
The Heart of a Hero
The woman was transported to Baptist Floyd Hospital, where medical staff continued their efforts. They later credited Officer Whelan’s quick and decisive actions as a critical factor in saving her life. We are happy to report that the woman is expected to make a full recovery, a result made possible by the seamless inter-agency cooperation between police, fire, and EMS personnel.
Despite the praise, Officer Whelan remained humble, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the response. "This is not any credit to me this is a team effort for everyone involved, we've got a lot of great police officers out here this year," he said. His sentiment was echoed by Floyd County Sheriff Steve Bush, who expressed immense pride in his officer's dedication. "This is what it's about, it's about serving the community and serving the public so when these times unfortunately happen, they're there to serve and jump right in and save a life," Bush stated. On Saturday, Sheriff Bush formally recognized Whelan's heroism, presenting him with a Letter of Commendation for his lifesaving efforts.
A Final Thought
This incident is more than just a story of a single heroic act; it is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that dedicated and well-trained officers have on our communities every day. It showcases the human side of policing, where courage and compassion intersect to protect and serve. Officer Whelan’s humble words say it all: "You don't get into this job for money or fame or anything like that, you get into this job to help people at the end of the day."
For more inspiring stories of law enforcement heroism, visit our stories page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the signs of cardiac arrest?
Signs of cardiac arrest are immediate and severe. They include a sudden loss of responsiveness, where the person does not respond to tapping or shouting, and abnormal or no breathing. The person may collapse and will not have a pulse. It is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
2. What should you do in a medical emergency like a collapse?
If you witness someone collapse, first ensure the scene is safe for you to approach. Then, check for responsiveness by tapping the person's shoulder and shouting. If there is no response, call 911 immediately. If you are trained, check for breathing and a pulse. If neither is present, begin chest compressions (CPR) until first responders arrive.
3. What is the difference between the signs of a seizure and cardiac arrest?
The signs of a seizure often include uncontrollable muscle spasms or jerking, temporary confusion, a loss of consciousness, or staring spells. The person is typically breathing and has a pulse. In contrast, a person in cardiac arrest is unresponsive, not breathing or only gasping, and has no pulse. Both are serious medical emergencies requiring a 911 call.
4. Why is police officer training in CPR so important?
Police officer training requirements often include CPR and first aid because officers are frequently the first on the scene of an accident or medical emergency. Their ability to provide immediate care, like CPR or controlling bleeding, during the critical minutes before EMS arrives can significantly increase a person's chances of survival.
5. What is a Letter of Commendation in law enforcement?
A Letter of Commendation police departments issue is a formal award recognizing an officer for an outstanding act or exceptional performance of their duty. It is a way for leadership to officially acknowledge and praise an officer's bravery, professionalism, or life-saving actions, becoming a permanent part of their service record.
6. What does "chain of survival" mean?
The chain of survival is a concept that outlines the critical sequence of actions needed to increase survival rates from cardiac arrest. It includes early recognition and calling 911, early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions, rapid defibrillation, effective advanced life support from paramedics, and integrated post-cardiac arrest care at a hospital.
