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A resolution recognizing the life-saving actions of certain Metro personnel and highlighting the importance of recognizing the signs of stroke.
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WHEREAS, on May 4, 2021, Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn experienced a life-threatening emergency while at work in the Justice A.A. Burch Building; and
WHEREAS, when Judge Blackburn started exhibiting signs of stroke, she was luckily in the company of Criminal Court Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton who immediately recognized the symptoms of stroke and was able get medical attention very quickly; and
WHEREAS, Metro first responders swiftly sprang into action upon arrival and communicated crucial health information to Vanderbilt’s emergency department so they could be ready upon Judge Blackburn’s arrival; and
WHEREAS, Vanderbilt doctors quickly identified an occlusion and performed a successful thrombectomy allowing Judge Blackburn to make a full recovery without complications; and
WHEREAS, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) credited Metro first responders’ swift actions and immediate stroke recognition for Judge Blackburn’s positive outcome and smooth recovery; and
WHEREAS, VUMC awarded Metro Paramedic Jesse Gullett and Metro EMT Patrick Lee with an Excellence in Stroke Care Pin for their incredible recognition and expedited transport to a comprehensive stroke center; and
WHEREAS, during a stroke, every minute counts and fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that stroke can cause; and
WHEREAS, signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause; and
WHEREAS, the most effective stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours of the first symptoms; and
WHEREAS, if someone might be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
• F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A - Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S - Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
• T - Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is proud and grateful for the city’s hard working first responders and their swift actions that helped save the life of Judge Cheryl Blackburn.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and honoring the live-saving actions of Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton, Paramedic Jesse Gullett, EMT Patrick Lee, Firefighter Kayla Toney, Engineer Jeremy Taylor, Firefighter Maxwell McWright, and Firefighter Peter Windgett in responding to Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn when she experienced a stroke on May 4, 2021.
Section 2. The Metropolitan County Council further goes on record as highlighting the importance of the signs of stroke, especially acting “F.A.S.T.”
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.