A 13-year-old Detroit boy has been recognized for his life-saving actions after helping to save a 55-year-old Macomb County man who was in a critical state following a cardiac arrest. The incident took place last month at a car wash on Harper Avenue in Clinton Township where the boy, accompanied by his cousin, came upon the man in distress.
Richard Blackwell, the young hero, noticed Ed Fortuna lying motionless on the ground and, rather than stand by, he sprang into action, finding Sgt. Paul Collins of the Clinton Township Police to come to Fortuna's aid. According to WWJ News Radio, Blackwell first tried to get help through 911 but was informed that no officers were in the immediate area. Spotting Collins, he made the decisive move to get him. Sgt. Collins felt a faint pulse in Fortuna and began CPR, an act that, as Fortuna has said, scarcely anyone, "can even understand," given that he was clinically dead for 14 minutes.
During a presentation at the Clinton Township Police Department, various eyewitness accounts were pieced together to narrate the day's heroics, all parties were present including car wash owner Christopher Trinity, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit. Fortuna, who made a full recovery, referred to Blackwell as "my young super hero" in recognition of his quick thinking that saw Collins rush over and administer CPR until emergency services arrived.
The heartwarming reunion with all involved was earlier this month, where accolades and honors were distributed. Fortuna's emotional gratitude was palpable when he said, "You sprang into action and became a true superhero," as he read from a letter during the ceremony, according to WXYZ. Blackwell’s presence of mind and the prompt action by Sgt. Collins and emergency responders together crafted a story of survival against the odds that Collins described as one of the most impactful experiences of his career.
