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Utah Senate honors West High junior Felix Ortiz for life-saving CPR
Summary
The Utah State Senate recognized Felix Ortiz, a West High junior, for performing CPR at the scene of a Feb. 19 crash and helping save a man's life. The Senate read a citation and applauded Ortiz and his family on the floor.
The Utah State Senate paused its legislative business on Feb. 19 to honor Felix Ortiz, a junior at West High School, who the Senate said used CPR to help save a motorist after a crash on a Salt Lake City on-ramp.
Senator Escamilla (floor) recounted that Ortiz, 16, pulled a man from an overturned vehicle, provided CPR before first responders arrived and helped the man begin breathing; the Senate read a formal citation noting that Utah Highway Patrol said Ortizs quick CPR likely saved the man's life. The citation, read aloud on the Senate floor, describes the Feb. 19 incident at the 600 North ramp to northbound I-15 and names the victim as Dave Carlson, who remained hospitalized but was expected to survive.
Senator Wyler and other senators praised Ortiz's quick thinking and training. "We appreciate his quick action and bravery," the dais read in the citation. The Senate asked Ortiz and members of his family to stand and recognized his mother and sister on the floor.
Why it matters: The Senates citation acknowledges civic virtue and highlights the value of bystander CPR training. The recognition also provided a public moment of bipartisan appreciation during a busy legislative calendar.
Next steps: The citation was entered into the Senate record; no legislative action was required.
