When a crisp, ordinary morning quickly turned into a frightening medical emergency, Oncor Journeyman Lineman Joshua Farrington was ready to spring into action to save his neighbor’s life. 

This year, Oncor awarded Farrington its prestigious Life Saving Award for his quick thinking and hand in administering life-saving medical aid. 

“I woke up and heard screams coming from my neighbor's house,” said Farrington. “At first, it sounded like a child, but later I realized it was a woman screaming and I started running.”

He arrived at his neighbor's home to find a crowd of people surrounding an unconscious man on the bathroom floor. The others were not sure how to help, but Farrington's instincts kicked in. He immediately instructed the man's wife to call 911 and began chest compressions. 

“There was a crowd of people there, but none of them knew CPR or what to do next,” he said. “Thankfully my adrenalin kicked in and I was able to help before the ambulance arrived.”

Shortly after the call was placed and Farrington administered life-saving aid, paramedics arrived and applauded him for his quick thinking. Once Farrington’s neighbor was stabilized and treated, doctors pointed out that if it had not been for Farrington’s quick action, the unconscious man could have become brain dead by the time paramedics could intervene. 

About three days later after the emergency event, Farrington’s neighbors reached out.

“He and his wife came over to say thank you to me--they were both very emotional and grateful to me,” said Farrington. “My wife and I were just happy to know everything turned out well.”

Oncor Chief Operating Officer Jim Greer presented Farrington with the Life Saving Award this summer at Oncor's Texoma Service Center.

“The award is not just an honor for Joshua, but an honor to the whole team as well,” said Greer. “Our ability to be prepared is in our DNA, and it's moments like these that make Oncor who we are. Thank you to Joshua for your commitment to safety, and thank you to all Oncor employees embodying a dedication to safety, community, and service.”

Oncor's Life Saving Awards are prestigious awards given to employees whose actions and quick thinking have resulted in saving another’s life. Those nominated for the award go through an extensive review process by a special committee who require documentation of the life-saving event by the nominating party.

Farrington said his experience as a safety instructor at Oncor ensured he knew what to do in such a tense, critical situation. While Farrington hopes these types of events are rare, he's grateful he is prepared and trained for such an important task.

“Oncor employees are lucky to learn CPR, and we owe it to our community to help if needed,” said Farrington. “I think if you have a unique talent or skill, you should use it to help the community.”

If you're interested in learning CPR, visit the American Heart Association's website to learn more. It could help save a life.