Scottsdale Fire honors Costco employees for lifesaving CPR response

Three Costco employees are being recognized by the Scottsdale Fire Department after their quick actions helped save the life of a customer experiencing a cardiac emergency earlier this spring.

Scottsdale Fire will honor pharmacist Todd Gookin, pharmacist Gary Bachmeier and receiving manager Mike Weston during a recognition ceremony at 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the Costco Wholesale warehouse near Hayden and Frank Lloyd Wright roads.

On the afternoon of April 14, Costco patron Barry Baker was waiting near the pharmacy for a prescription when he suddenly lost consciousness. Todd Gookin quickly recognized the medical emergency and alerted fellow pharmacist Gary Bachmeier, who immediately began CPR after 911 was called.

At the same time, Mike Weston retrieved and applied the store’s automated external defibrillator (AED) and assisted with lifesaving efforts until Scottsdale Fire crews arrived on scene.

The rapid response, combined with effective CPR and AED use, is credited with saving Baker’s life. After receiving treatment for two arteries that were 60% blocked, Baker was released from the hospital 10 days later.

“Immediate bystander intervention can make the difference between life and death during a cardiac arrest,” said Scottsdale Fire officials. “The quick thinking and teamwork demonstrated by these employees gave Mr. Baker the best possible chance of survival.”

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States. Without CPR, about 90% of cardiac arrest victims do not survive. Immediate, high-quality CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.

Scottsdale Fire offers hands-only CPR training for community groups and organizations. To request a class, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “Hands-only CPR.”

Event details

Who: Scottsdale Fire Department and Costco Wholesale
What: Recognition ceremony honoring Costco employees for lifesaving actions during a cardiac emergency
When: 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 13
Where: Costco Wholesale
Interviews available: Barry Baker, Todd Gookin, Mike Weston, Gary Bachmeier and responding Scottsdale Fire crews.