Farwell teen honored for saving neighbor

Published: Friday, November 11, 2011 By SUSAN FIELD Clare Managing Editor

Tyler Mester didn’t know the first thing about cardiopulmonary resuscitation when he heard a neighbor’s call for help nearly two weeks ago.

That didn’t stop Tyler, 16, from rushing to his neighbor’s side and calling 911.

Listening to an emergency dispatcher, Tyler, a sophomore at Farwell High School, followed directions on where to place his hands to perform CPR.

Meanwhile, a crew from Mobile Medical Response ambulance service was en route.

Tyler’s actions Oct. 30 likely saved his neighbor’s life, MMR Supervisor Matt Drake said Friday during a Veterans Day assembly at Farwell High School.

After students, teachers and staff paid tribute to those who have fought for America’s freedoms, Drake and other MMR staff took the stage to give Tyler a medal and plaque for his efforts.

“He came to someone in the community in his time of need,” Drake said, adding that Tyler’s actions impacted rescuers and others in the healthcare profession.

Tyler performed chest compressions while paramedics rushed to the scene.

“Tyler did this without being asked,” Drake said. “It’s a pretty important thing for a young person of his age.”

Physician James Inman, medical director of emergency services at MidMichigan Medical Center-Clare, who was on duty when Tyler’s neighbor was rushed to the hospital, also offered praise.

Often times, patients are in full cardiac arrest when arriving at emergency rooms and can’t be helped, Inman said.

There is no question in his mind that Tyler’s neighbor survived because of his efforts and those of MMR paramedics, Inman said.

Tyler was instrumental in saving his neighbor’s life, the physician said.

Without Tyler’s help, paramedics would not have been able to perform their jobs as effectively as they did, Drake said.

Tyler, however, took the attention -- including applause from students and staff -- in stride.

He said he simply did what had to be done and that he was surprised to find out he was being rewarded for his efforts.

Tyler received gifts from MMMC-Clare.

Mary Jo Beal, the emergency operations coordinator at MMMC-Clare, gave Tyler “double congratulations” when she found that he did not know CPR when he helped his neighbor.

Beal offered Tyler lessons and said hospital officials are encouraging more young people to learn CPR.

Tyler is the son of Amy Garver and David Mester.