NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY) – Several Nags Head first responders were honored on Wednesday for saving a cardiac arrest victim in June.
According to a news release from the Town of Nags Head, on June 9, 2024, first-year lifeguard Dounia Hage responded to a man on the beach who appeared to be having a heart attack.
Hage immediately began performing CPR on 64-year-old Clay White, and was later assisted by fellow lifeguard Mason Lenz, Ocean Rescue Supervisors Michael Federline and Reier Gilbertson and Acting Ocean Rescue Captain Michael Dew. Members of the Nags Head Fire Rescue Captain Phil Wolfe, Lieutenant Trevor Tilley and Engineer James Phillips also assisted in the resuscitation efforts of White.
Due to the quick actions of first responders on scene, White’s heart was restarted and was transferred to Outer Banks Health Hospital, and was able to make a full recovery.
“I am blessed by what has happened and these responders are truly the greatest,” White said at the Aug. 7 Nags Head Board of Commissioners meeting. “Without a doubt, I would not be here with you today.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, only 10% of people survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
“It is because of you and your rigourous training, quick and precise actions, and respect for the job, that his life was saved,” White’s wife Susan said. “It is because of you that my children and grandchildren can spend many more happy summers here with us.”
