I am saddened
Posted by Warm Southern Breeze on Thursday, June 9, 2011
This evening, I have been weeping.
Yes, I – a full-grown man – have shed very sorrowful tears upon learning of the untimely death of a long-time college friend and colleague.
My friend Jeffrey Rosado died this evening. Apparently, while dining at a Huntsville, AL area Applebee’s restaurant, he choked on some food, and by the time the HEMSI paramedics arrived, he was in full cardiac arrest.
Apparently also, NO ONE at the restaurant – especially the employees – knew the Heimlich maneuver! As a Registered Nurse, I am dumbfounded by such an observation.
That simple act – one which I have known from childhood – is very much like a “bear hug” from behind, and could have saved his life.
Automated External Defibrillators are made to be used by anyone without special training.
Apparently also, no one – neither restaurant staff, nor patrons – knew CPR. Apparently as well, an AED was neither available on premises.
That all leaves me speechless. Frankly, it utterly stupefies me.
That should not ever happen… ever!! NOT EVER!!
NEVER!!
The State of Alabama should enact a law requiring all restaurant employees to know the Heimlich maneuver and CPR, and have an AED on premises. In fact, it would be for the public good if every business that had over at least 20 employees were to have an AED & 20% of the staff knew CPR. It would benefit not only the public, but the customers, as well.
Toward that objective – preventing the unnecessary loss of lives – I am going to push for legislation that would require all restaurant employees in Alabama to know the Heimlich maneuver, CPR and require all businesses with more than 20 employees to have an Automated External Defibrillator on premises. It will be called the “Rosado Law.“
If you are in agreement with me, please let me know.
It’s not only the life of your neighbor, relative, or friend… but the life saved could be your own.
Warm Southern Breeze 
dee said
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend.
I am also in complete agreement with you regarding the requirement of restaurant employees to know basic life saving techniques. My son choked in a Cracker Barrel in Destin, Florida a few years ago. It was a horrible experience. The packed restaurant completely stopped, and everyone turned to watch as I yelled over and over, “I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO THE HEIMLICH!” all while doing my best attempt at the Heimlich on my then 12-year-old son. (i had taken basic CPR classes both as a teacher and when pregnant with my kids, but i still didn’t feel confident nor think i’d really ever be doing the heimlich) I kept hoping someone would come forward to help, but NO ONE did. Not a single person. They just all stared at me. Fortunately, I eventually moved the food up and out. Ah, but it was such a disappointment in basic humanity.
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Warm Southern Breeze said
Today, in my travels, I shared with another man about Jeff’s tragedy, and suggested that restaurant employees should be required to learn the Heimlich. And before I could continue, he chimed in and said “and CPR… it’s so simple to do.” Yes, it’s such a small thing to do, to learn the Heimlich – and CPR. And often, it’s the little things that mean the most. Thanks so very much, Dee, for your readership, for sharing your thoughts and for your condolences.
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Johnell Sergent said
This was not the truth. I happened to be at the restaurant when this happened. An employee, a tall male, administered the Heimlish ‘ till the EMT’s got there. When this did not work, a customer, whom was sitting with us got up and did CPR. It seemed like it took the EMT’s forever to get there.
My friend continued CPR ’till the medics decided to take over. When they left with the patient, they did not have the decientcy to cover the man up. He was practicly naked. Please don’t blame Applebee’s. These two gentlemen are my HEROS. It will take them along time to get over this.
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Warm Southern Breeze said
Johnell, thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts and observations. I appreciate your so doing. Obviously, I wasn’t there. If I were, would it have changed anything? Who knows?
Regarding my choice of words, I began the sentence by writing, “Apparently…”, which as I used it, meant “initial evidence, incomplete results, ostensible, rather than actual.” Thank you for some clarification.
And on the “practically naked” part, removal of one’s garments is necessary to perform CPR and use an AED.
Certainly, there’s no doubt we both can agree that it is a good idea that restaurant employees should be required to know the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. Yes?
Thanks again for your thoughts, and send my most sincere appreciation to your friends!
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LBell said
I was shocked when I heard about this. It’s AWFUL that no one stepped up to help this man. I can’t imagine seeing a fellow human being in distress and not attempting to help. I’m so sorry you lost your friend. Our prayers are with you.
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Warm Southern Breeze said
Thank you so very much for your kind words, LBell. I appreciate so very much your thoughtfulness in responding. Jeff was a very, very kind, loving and gentle man. Almost every word spoken during his eulogy was in praise of his loving and forgiving nature, even when he had been wronged by another. His gentle influence will be sorely missed by all of us who knew him. Thank you again.
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Marissa said
I just recently found out about this and am deeply saddened. While I wasn’t close with Jeffrey I spoke with him on multiple occasions for interviews about my time on The Bachelor. Jeffrey was an incredible spirit and I am so shocked. Please let me know if there is anything the Bachelor/Bachelorette community can do to help bring attention to what should be a requirement across the country and not just in a city or state.
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Warm Southern Breeze said
Thank you so very much Marissa, for your kind expressions. Yes, Jeff was a most kind man, and we are all shocked, and deeply saddened at the suddenness of his loss of life. Your kind offer is gratefully appreciated, and we will keep in touch. Thank you again.
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Wade Major said
Just found out about this — Jeffrey was a Facebook friend of mine and a longtime friend of the IGN DigiGods DVD podcast I produce and co-host. My partner and I intend to dedicate our next show to his memory. Such a tragic waste. We’re very saddened. Our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Wade Major
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Warm Southern Breeze said
Thank you Wade, for your condolences. He was a very fine man, indeed. We are all the richer for having known him. It’s very kind of you also to honor his life, and dedicate a show to Jeff’s memory. Thank you.
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