Three Duluth Area Residents Recognized For Life Saving Efforts

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — It was a reunion at the Minneapolis Airport on Thursday. Last July three people from the Duluth area stepped in and helped save a man’s life collapsing.

Jay May and his wife Jennifer had just flown in from a fishing trip in Alaska when Jay fell unconscious while at the baggage claim.

The first people to offer assistance were Mark and Kirsten Korsema. Mark is a Fire Captain for the Duluth Fire Department. He began CPR while his wife grabbed an AED. They were quickly joined by Hermantown Doctor Kurt Mazel.

“Being part of a team of unacquainted strangers working together for a common cause is truly a humbling experience. I find it uplifting that these members of our society did not hesitate to do good for one another,” said Mark.

Mazel said, “We, as bystanders did what we could. But it’s the system that they have here is what saved him. You know I would encourage everyone to learn CPR, to step in and do whatever you can, whether it be making a phone call to activate the system, jump in and do chest compressions or whatever. Whatever you can do.”

Jay May was very pleased to actually meet his rescuers. He said, “I hate to say this, but I don’t recognize any of you because of the scenario and the situation, but I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people on earth to survive.”

The American Heart Association presented the three with its Heart Saver Hero Award for their actions. And they all want everyone to learn CPR and not be afraid to use an AED.