Teamwork and AED helps customer at Recycling Center Plus

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus customer Ryan Zimmer collapsed at the facility. Employees on shift quickly went into action to help the customer.

“It was a routine day at the recycling center when an employee found an unresponsive customer on the ground next to their vehicle,” said Waste Abatement Supervisor Khalid Alasadi. “We called 9-1-1 and the dispatch operator was able to give our team directions on how to handle the situation.”

While first responders made their way to the recycling center, dispatch advised employees to grab the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located inside the building and use it on Zimmer.

“The AED machine gave us audio and visual guidance on how to use it. I’ll never forget the machine telling us it was going to deliver a shock,” said Alasadi. “We were hopeful we were doing everything we could to save Ryan’s life.”

The AED then instructed employees to begin chest compressions. A minute later, first responders arrived and were able to take Zimmer to the hospital.

Zimmer is on the road to recovery and was able to stop by the recycling center to thank the employees who helped him.

“Before I collapsed, I remembered feeling light-headed and a little overheated,” said Zimmer. “When I came to, I was told my heart had stopped.”

Zimmer added, “I can’t thank the employees enough for saving my life. It can’t be easy to lay your hands on someone you don’t know, and I really appreciate them for doing what was necessary and having an accessible AED.”

“I appreciate the first responders and county employees for their teamwork and what they did to help Ryan that day,” said Alasadi.