Capac chiropractor saves man with CPR

Early lunch put rescuer in right place at the right time

 

CAPAC — For the second time this summer, quick actions by someone trained in CPR has saved the life of another person.

Make that two saves for residents in western St. Clair County.

In the August 14 issue of the Tri-City Times, the story of Morgan Riebel coming to the aid of Gayle Jones, while both were attending church in Allenton, was reported.

Jones had become unresponsive and not breathing during a church service and Riebel jumped in to action, even at 16 weeks pregnant.

Riebel’s CPR skills brought Jones back to life before fire or EMS arrived, saving the woman’s life from a very different outcome.

On Monday evening, August 19, the Capac village council and police department took time to honor one of their own who had performed CPR, similar to Riebel.

Capac Chiropractor Dr. Josh Harvey had decided to take an early lunch on July 29 and walked across Main Street to another local business.

“I decided to go to lunch a little early,” Harvey explained. “We weren’t busy so I thought it was a good time to go.”

Around 12 noon, Dr. Harvey walked in to the Marathon store and saw someone laying on the ground who appeared to have fallen.

“It didn’t take long to find out that the man wasn’t breathing or didn’t have a pulse,” the chiropractor recalled. “I recognized what was going on and just let my training take over. I got down on my knees, made sure I was in the right position and after I again confirmed no pulse or breathing, I started CPR.”

Dr. Harvey said he did four or five rounds of CPR on Thomas Grabowskas before Capac Police Chief Carlo Dealca arrived on scene.

“This is just great,” the Chief proclaimed. “If Josh hadn’t been there and done CPR, by the time myself and the fire department arrived, we’d probably be looking at a whole differwent outcome. He did a great job and Capac is proud of Dr. Harvey.”

Village manager Travis Youatt added, “I just think it is remarkable for someone to jump in and do what Dr. Harvey did. With those kind of unselfish actions, he certainly is an asset to the community. I’m just so proud of him and glad we were able to honor him tonight.”

Dr. Harvey, who also coaches varsity boys basketball at Capac, is convinced there was some divine intervention in the entire incident.

“I went to lunch earlier than I normally do. By 10 or 15 minutes,” he recalled. “I firmly believe God had me go when I did so I could help Mr. Grabowskas. I feel I was right where God wanted me. I was in the right place at the right time. I’m so happy for the victim, that we were able to get him back.”

Dr. Harvey said the man he worked on, Mr. Grabowskas, is very well known in town by everyone and even mows the lawn at the chiropractic office.

“I’ve known him since I was a kid,” the doctor said. “We used to see him on the sidewalks in town all the time.”

Dr. Harvey, Chief Dealca, Mussey fire and rescue and Tri-Hospital all responded to the call.

Mr. Grabowskas, who is a Vietnam Vet, reportedly continued to have issues during transport to a local hospital and spent some time in the hospital undergoing tests and procedures.

Dr. Harvey said of his award, “I appreciate it. I really do. But, if I never have to do it again, I am ok with that. It was quite an experience. Very emotional afterwards. But, if I need to do it all over again, I will.”

Mr. Grabowskas, who has since recovered and is doing better. went to see Dr. Harvey to thank him for his efforts. He did not attend Monday night’s meeting to share in the celebration.

“He came by the office to see me and we hugged and laughed. Then he started crying and I started crying. It was quite emotional,” Dr. Harvey stated.

Youatt said he has spoken with several longtime residents of the village and everyone believes this is the first time they have issued a lifesaving award.

Youatt said he saw the victim walking the sidewalks of Capac Monday.

“It was great to see him out,” Youatt said.

A Spaghetti Dinner benefit to help make much needed repairs at Grabowskas home is slated for Sat., Aug. 31 from 4-8 p.m. at Miller’s Place Food & Spirits on Main Street downtown. the cost is $20 per plate and all proceeds go to the home repair fund. All are welcome.