MOUNT VERNON — Deborah Woodford has been a nurse for 35 years. Little did she know her professional expertise would earn her Mount Vernon Fire Department’s Citizen’s Cross award.
Last December, Woodford was at PNC Bank handling issues related to her father’s estate. Witnessing a cardiac arrest, she jumped into action, performing CPR until paramedics arrived.
“She was put in the right place at the right time to save a life,” Fire Chief Chad Christopher said at Wednesday’s award ceremony.
Christopher noted that firefighters, paramedics, and nurses know what is expected of them when they’re on the job.
“What we all wonder is, how will we react if we’re not on duty? If we’re at home eating dinner with our family or at a restaurant and someone starts choking. How would we react if we drove up on a motor vehicle accident?
“Will we jump into action?”
Woodford did just that when she saw Elanie Bynorth in trouble.
“Without hesitation, you put your knowledge, education, and training to work when you began CPR,” Christopher told Woodford. “Your quick action to begin CPR was not only brave and heroic, but it was lifesaving.
“It is with great honor that I present to you the Citizen’s Cross for your lifesaving actions. You should be proud of your actions and bravery.”
The Citizen’s Cross
The Citizen’s Cross is awarded to members of the general public not associated with the fire service who distinguish themselves by performing acts or duties in a manner deemed to be above what is normally required or expected and that set them apart from their peers.
These actions are normally performed in a manner that contributes to the successful outcome in the mitigation of an emergency.
“It’s the first time in public that I have even come upon something like that,” Woodford said. “I just feel very honored.”
Woodford said that during her 10-year tenure in the obstetrics department, she had to deliver babies when the doctor was late in arriving.
Later, she enjoyed working with older folks in hospice.
“But I finally got to help somebody that way,” she said of her helping Bynorth. “I just feel honored.
“I’m just so glad she’s alive,” Woodford added. “I worried that I might have done something wrong. She’s alive; she has a lot of family. It’s not just about me, it’s about me and her.”
Christopher said Wednesday’s ceremony is the second since he became chief 10 years ago.
“It’s important to show when our public does something outstanding,” he said.
Below are photos from the ceremony.
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