Fast-acting duo honored with Heartsaver Hero Award last week in Ocean Pines

By Greg Ellison

(Jan. 6, 2022) Two months after deploying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive a heart attack victim at the Ocean Pines Clubhouse Bar and Grille, staff members Rob Ruszin and Judie Scotti continue to receive accolades.

Dave Van Gasbeck, president of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, honored the pair with a Heartsaver Hero Award from the American Heart Association last Thursday.

Van Gasbeck, who applied for the award shortly after Oct. 31 incident, said this latest recognition follows similar honors bestowed on the two by the Worcester County Commissioners in mid-November.

“You did a great job and just jumped into it,” he told Ruszin and Scotti. “You are both truly heroes.”

Ruszin and Scotti also received state honors from Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Del. Wayne Hartman.

Scotti, Clubhouse Bar and Grille manager, deflected attention for her actions and gave more credit to Ruszin, who tends bar at the establishment.

“As a human being, if you can help somebody, then that’s what you’re supposed to do,” she said.

Ruszin echoed that sentiment.

“I don’t like taking credit for it,” he said.

As it was, Ruszin quickly found an AED unit nearby.

“I was just there and knew where it was,” he said. “Everyone that was there helped during the situation.”

Scotti said the praise was warranted for all involved parties.

“It was a big effort for everyone that was here,” she said. “It’s not just an award for us, it’s for them too.”

After the heart attack victim was resuscitated, Ocean Pines EMS transported the patient to Tidal Health in Salisbury where he made a full recovery.

On a related note, Van Gasbeck said EMS units have been taking an increasing number of ill residents for medical attention.

“Virtually every patent we’ve brought in over the last several months has been unvaccinated,” he said. “Do yourself a favor and protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated.”