COLUMBUS, Ohio – Survivor Shani Tate said she was a “hugger,” and she was true to her word when she was on hand to recognize Mifflin Township firefighters last week as they were presented with a challenge coin in recognition of their actions that saved her life.

In January, Tate was at work at Gahanna Middle School West when she suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Station 134 responded and began CPR immediately. They were able to restart her heart with a defibrillator, after which she was transported to the hospital where she spent a week recovering.

“Due to their quick response, my children still have their mother and I still have my wife. There are no words to explain how grateful I am to have such heroes so close watching over our community,” said husband Jason Tate.

Both Tate and her husband were on hand to present the challenge coins to the unit that saved her, and thank them personally for their efforts. Recognized last week were (from left to right) Firefighter Jordan Irwin, Pat Ike, Survivor Shani Tate, Tyler Piper, Mifflin Trustee Kevin Cavener, Jason Tate (husband to survivor), Lieutenant Brandon Wogan, 9-1-1 Dispatcher Susan Wilson and Battalion Chief Jamie Yinger. Unable to attend last week’s event was Firefighter Adam Shaffer.

Did You Know? There are about 10,000 cardiac arrests in the workplace each year in the United States, according to a report from the US Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Only 50 percent of people can locate an automated external defibrillator (AED) at work. With 10,000 cardiac arrests annually in the workplace, knowing this information has the potential to save thousands of lives.

To learn more about or register for a class on CPR or AED usage provided by Mifflin Township.