Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "I went from frustration to concern, and by the time that her vehicle had come to a stop, I wasn't worried about my car, I wasn't worried about damage that she could cause, I knew that she was having some kind of medical emergency and she needed help."
Buffalo Public School Teacher James Damon was on his way to Buffalo State for training on Tuesday when he noticed a car driving rather erratically on Rt. 198. That car clipped Damon's car, which prompted him to follow that erratic driver down the I-190. He called 911 after he witnessed the car crash into the center median in the vicinity of Niagara Street. When he realized that something was wrong with the lady inside the vehicle. he quickly sprung into action.
"I put my car in park in front of hers and jumped out, I was worried because her car was still in drive, that she might start driving again into me. So I kind of ran out into traffic to get around. Thankfully, her window was open because the doors were locked, I was able to reach in, put her car in neutral. And at that time, I thought she just like passed out," described Damon.
Damon pulled her out of her crashed car and administered CPR until Detective Jonathan Hanna arrived on scene to take over the chest compressions, with Damon aiding in opening the female's airway.
As a varsity basketball coach, Damon was required to take CPR courses. He emphasized the importance of taking these classes.
"Just for the general public to know, hands only CPR is a really integral thing that's really easy for anyone to learn. I just wish that more people are certified in that because, you know, it could be a loved one for any of us. And I think that that's super important for people to know," said Damon.
Detective Hanna said Damon's action may have been the difference between life and death.
"If you put one right thing to another right thing, to another right thing, eventually you're going to lead to some form of success, and that's what he was doing. To be able to get her out of the car, realize that CPR is only effective if we're on a firm surface, to get any kind of compressions going, to establish air getting back into her body, to get the blood pumping through her body. that's what we're trying to achieve. Whether you're doing it 100% the right way or not, that's happening the moment that he does that. If he wouldn't have been out and engaging in that, I don't think we'd have the same outcome."
Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams issued the following statement in response to Damon's bravery:
"I am so very proud of the heroic efforts of Mr. James Damon, a BPS teacher. His selfless and courageous acts helped save the life of a stranger in need. Everyone should learn CPR; you never know when you could save a life. During this season of giving, it’s heartwarming to hear that Mr. Damon, who teaches at Emerson School of Hospitality, PS 302, quickly and selflessly acted to save a fellow Western New Yorker's life and about the importance of knowing CPR. This act of bravery reinforces that Buffalo is truly a “City of Good Neighbors.”