Quick Action, Training, and On-Site Equipment Credited for Saving Man’s Life

CONSOL Energy employees including EMTs saved a contract worker’s life after he suffered a medical emergency on the night of Monday, February 13, at the Bailey Preparation Plant located in West Finley, PA. 

At approximately 10:30 p.m., the 55-year-old worker had what was later determined to be a heart attack when returning from making an adjustment on the plant welder his work partner was using. While traveling from the plant 1A elevator back to the job location across the first floor of the plant, he collapsed onto the floor. 

A CONSOL employee found the worker unresponsive, immediately called for help, and started CPR. Three plant EMTs arrived and revived the man using an automated external defibrillator (AED). The worker was then transported to UPMC Presbyterian via medical helicopter. The following morning, he was awake and communicating with doctors and family.

Canonsburg-based CONSOL Energy — one of the leading energy producers in the U.S.— and their employees were quick to heap praise on those on-site who took quick action and on the safety standards set by the company.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the afternoon and midnight shift crews that assisted in this effort,” said Daniel C. Yanchak, the plant’s superintendent. “Each person, from the EMTs to the Tracking Center, did their part to get this man medical assistance as fast as possible. I’m also proud of our company in providing the training, equipment, and overall backing to keep this level of expertise on-site. I also know of one family, in particular, who is glad their father was working here at the Bailey Plant.”

Prioritizing safety above all, CONSOL requires specialized training at all their mines and facilities to safeguard the well-being of their employees. They believe that their core values – Safety, Compliance and Continuous Improvement – are the company’s foundational elements and guiding principles that distinguish them from their peers.

“This is the exact reason we train and invest in technology, such as the AED machine, which more than likely saved his life,” said CONSOL CEO Jimmy Brock, “It’s one thing to have the equipment available and ready for use, but you also need trained personnel that can hop into action quickly. This is a tremendous outcome for all involved and his family. On behalf of all CONSOL Energy, we are grateful for the actions taken by the Bailey team to save the man’s life. This is a perfect example of who we are and what we do.”

Left to Right:  Kyle Wood, Jeff Baxter, Scott Duncan, Jim Silbaugh and Shane Tressler