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Pacific Grove honors bystander, crews after beach resuscitation
Summary
Pacific Grove Mayor Pro Tem Joe Emilio and the fire department recognized bystander Justin Horrell and responding crews after surfer John Woodhouse was pulled from the water, resuscitated and later made a full recovery. Fire officials credited quick CPR, lifeguards and paramedics with saving his life.
Pacific Grove Mayor Pro Tem Joe Emilio opened Monday’s council meeting by recognizing a multi-agency rescue that city officials said saved a surfer’s life.
Fire Chief (speaker 6) described how a bystander, identified in council remarks as Justin Horrell, pulled surfer John Woodhouse from the water after the man was found unresponsive. "When he pulled John ashore, he realized that he was not breathing and needed help, so he started CPR," the chief said, crediting coordinated efforts by state parks lifeguards, city medic engines and ambulance crews for the positive outcome.
The chief told council that Pacific Grove began a paramedic service early last year and that having paramedics respond with advanced skills “is like bringing the emergency room to the scene.” He praised the decisions of the lifeguards and fire personnel at Sylmar Beach and said a chain of good actions allowed Woodhouse to be transported to the hospital and make a full recovery.
Chief: “It takes a lot of courage … to start that chain of events.”
The council presented a certificate of accommodation to Horrell and invited the rescued surfer and responding personnel to join the dais. Mayor Pro Tem Emilio and other council members thanked the first responders and the community members who assisted at the scene.
The recognition was held at the start of the meeting, and the council paused briefly so crews and witnesses could be acknowledged before continuing the evening’s business.
