Melissa Donovan
The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) held a special ceremony on Friday, January 24, to recognize Mason Brown for his heroic actions that saved his father-in-law’s life. Brown was awarded the Citizens Life Saving Award during the event at Seminole County Fire Station 41.
A Day of Quick Thinking and Teamwork
On September 14 around 4:15 p.m., 61-year-old Randy Youngblood suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while gathered with his family in Sanford. The day was already a difficult one for the family, as it followed the passing of Youngblood’s mother, who had died of cardiac arrest the day prior.
When Youngblood collapsed, Brown quickly took action. While Youngblood’s daughter, Cayla, called 911 and received instructions from SCFD Dispatcher MiKayala Kruse, Brown performed CPR to keep Youngblood alive. SCFD crews arrived shortly afterward and took over, using advanced life support (ALS) protocols, including defibrillation, to stabilize Youngblood. He was transported to HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital, where he fully recovered.
Brown’s swift response was a critical link in the chain of survival and was acknowledged with the Citizens Life Saving Award. SCFD Dispatcher Kruse and the responding fire crew were honored for their successful rescue roles.
The family’s connection to first responders ran deep. Youngblood’s wife’s sister, Carollee ‘CJ’ Burrell, was a retired Orange County Fire Rescue battalion chief and later a Windermere Police Officer.
The ceremony, which took place at Seminole County Fire Station 41, highlighted the importance of teamwork, preparedness, and CPR in saving lives. It was an opportunity for the community to celebrate Brown’s courage and dedication to the rescue and the SCFD personnel involved.
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