Diaz ran to assist the student, later identified as Josh Gartley, and discovered he was exhibiting seizure-like movements, the release said. After calling paramedics, Diaz soon realized Gartley had lost consciousness and was not breathing.
According the release, Diaz jumped into action, performing chest compressions and administering two rounds of rescue breaths. Gartley was unresponsive and had no pulse as Diaz continued to administer life-saving measures on him. As paramedics arrived, Gartley began to breathe and a faint pulse was found.
Gartley was transported to Miami Valley Hospital and was treated for a rare heart condition. He was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome following a slew of tests. Long QT Syndrome is a genetic abnormality of the heart’s electrical system which can potentially cause a fast, chaotic heart rhythm. This condition affects 1 in 5,000 in the United States.
A cardiologist at Miami Valley Hospital later told the CSU police chief that they credited Diaz’s quick action for saving Gartley’s life.
“Since becoming a police officer, I’ve always known someone would need me,” Diaz said. “In that moment, I had this feeling; I knew what to do. I was doing what I was called to do. God placed me at the right place at the right time.”
The day after the incident, Diaz visited Gartley in the hospital. Though he was still under sedation and intubated, Diaz had the opportunity to meet his mother, LaShon Gartley.
“You saved my world,” LaShon Gartley said to Diaz.
Gartley’s heart condition was unknown to him or his family, according to his mother. Although he was born with the condition, he had not shown symptoms until he collapsed on campus. He has since been fitted with a defibrillator.
“The fire drill saved his life,” LaShon Gartley said. “Had it not been for the fire drill, he would have been in his room. Officer Diaz was in the right place at the right time.”
Gartley plans to return to CSU in January where he is studying business.
Diaz was honored during half-time at Saturday’s CSU men’s basketball game against Virginia University of Lynchburg.
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