Events
Quick-Thinking Students Help Save a Life
RALEIGH, N.C. (January 13, 2025) – Wake Tech hosted a special event Monday to bring together a group of quick-thinking students and the college employee whose life they helped save with the training they learned in their classes.
Byron Gray, a facilities technician at the Perry Health Sciences Campus, collapsed in a parking deck in October. Dental Hygiene students Dorcas Lewis, Rachael Tomlin, Samantha Rouse and Alyssa Tucker saw Gray fall and ran over to help.
They propped Gray's head up with a sweater and a jacket, comforted him and called for additional help. One of the students ran to get an automated external defibrillator from a nearby campus building, while another cooled his skin with damp paper towels. Olivia DeBerry, an instructor in the Dental Assisting program, also rushed to the parking area to assist until EMS arrived.
First responders transported Gray to nearby WakeMed, where he was treated for a stroke. Medical professionals say timing is critical when it comes to treating stroke patients. Gray, who has since recovered and returned to work at Wake Tech, is grateful for the help he received in his time of need.
"I want to thank everyone who was in the parking deck early that morning like I was," he said. "There is no way to express the gratitude I have. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending."
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls and Health Sciences Division staff presented LifeSaver Awards to the students and instructor who assisted during the crisis.
"We train and educate life-savers at Wake Tech, but we don't expect them to perform these roles until after they graduate," said Ralls. "Today, we are honored to celebrate those who stepped in with a can-do spirit to help Byron. We are so proud of our life-savers!"
Students in Wake Tech's Dental Hygiene program are required to take CPR and medical emergency training as part of the curriculum. The students who sprang into action say the training kicked in and made it possible for them to respond when Gray needed help.
"I am so thankful for everyone who was there that day," said Lewis. "With the training I have received, I was able to keep calm and focused on the needs of the patient, as well as work with the others who were there. Our collective team effort helped us provide the best care during the emergency situation."
Constance Best, associate dean of Health Sciences, says this is a perfect example of the excellence Wake Tech faculty and staff strive for every day.
"This extraordinary event highlights the unwavering commitment, quick thinking and compassion of our students, faculty and staff in the Health Sciences Division," said Best. "Their actions not only saved a life but exemplify the values we instill in our future health care professionals: preparedness, professionalism and a dedication to making a meaningful difference in our community."
In addition to the students and instructor who responded to help Gray when he collapsed, several other Wake Tech employees assisted with a variety of critical tasks, including locating emergency contact information and directing EMS to the scene.
