Quick Response Saves a Life at the Platte River

By: Kaitlyn Kausler

On Friday, July 11, 2025, quick thinking and teamwork led to a life-saving outcome at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

U.S. Park Rangers responded within three minutes to a medical emergency at the Fish Weir on the Platte River, where a visitor had suffered a heart attack. Family members had already begun CPR by the time rangers arrived. Without delay, rangers took over, attaching an automated external defibrillator (AED), managing the airway, and continuing chest compressions.

Over the next 10 minutes, they delivered two shocks using the AED while performing continuous CPR. Thanks to their rapid, skilled intervention, the patient regained a pulse and began breathing on his own. He was then transported by EMS to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City for further care. We’re thrilled to report that he has made a full recovery and will be returning home soon.

This successful outcome was made possible in part by donations to the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, which helped purchase AEDs and medical supplies and funded critical emergency medical training for U.S. Park Rangers.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in this life-saving response:

• U.S. Park Rangers

• Benzie County Central Dispatch

• Frankfort Fire Department

• Benzie County EMS

• Munson Medical Center – Traverse City

This is a powerful reminder that behind every emergency response is a network of preparation, training, and community support. Your donations truly save lives. Thank you for contributing to FOSBD, so that we, together, can impact those around us.