Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-246-3801, TTY: 703-385-4419 and Fax:703-385-1687
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire

10/30/06

Off-duty Firefighter/Paramedic Administers CPR During Marine Corps Marathon

Firefighter Jason Buttenshaw, a firefighter/paramedic, administered cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a fellow runner during the 31st Annual Marine Corps Marathon, Sunday, October 29, 2006. Firefighter Buttenshaw was assisted by a firefighter/paramedic from the Prince George's Fire/EMS Department.

Firefighter Buttenshaw, a runner in the marathon, saw someone on the ground needing immediate medical attention after running about 200 yards into the race. Both firefighter/paramedics worked as a team to deliver emergency care to to an adult male that was without a pulse and not breathing. They quickly assessed the patient, performed CPR, and protected the patient from other runners until medical units and personnel arrived. The patient was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Despite being off-duty, Firefighter/Paramedic Buttenshaw and his running partner saw someone needing emergency medical care, and quickly, compassionately, and competently provided emergency medical care without hesitation. They both provided emergency care without regard for their personal well-being and safety as both did not have any personal protective gear.

After medical personnel arrived and the patient was transported, they both continued the race and finished several hours later. Both firefighters/paramedics were running to raise money for the International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation. They collectively raised more than $2,600 for this worthy cause.

Firefighter Buttenshaw lives in Fairfax, and has been a member of the department for over two years.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Lieutenant Raul G. Castillo, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY: 703-385-4419. Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request.