Plano Fire-Rescue recently honored three Plano Parks and Recreation lifeguards for their actions aiding Zelong Dong, a man who experienced cardiac arrest on Feb. 20 at Carpenter Park Recreation Center.
When Dong collapsed while playing table tennis, lifeguards Zane Arnold, Christopher Gardener and Brandon Lekas began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED). Dong regained a pulse before Plano Fire-Rescue arrived on scene, and was transported to the hospital “neurologically intact.”
“I shouldn’t be able to stand here, but I’m standing here all because of you.” Dong said. “You are the reason I can get home and see my wife and play with my friends again and enjoy everyday life. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Arnold, Gardener and Lekas were honored at a ceremony on March 19 at Carpenter Park Recreation Center with a certificate, patch and challenge coin.
“Putting that training into action without hesitation takes a special individual,” said Battalion Chief Ryan Strutton with Plano Fire-Rescue. “That is not a normal thing, no matter how much training you have.”
“We worked as a team, and with proper training, we were able to handle the situation,” said Brandon Lekas. “At the end of the day, life is precious, and it’s good that he gets to live out the moments and celebrate.”
