A grainy surveillance clip from inside The Factory at Franklin captures a moment that could have ended in tragedy but did not. The video shows a 65-year-old man suddenly collapsing from cardiac arrest as he leaves the building, then a flurry of movement as bystanders race in, call 911, start chest compressions, and grab a public AED. Their fast response, including delivering a shock with the AED before firefighters could get there, is credited with helping save his life.
Video Shows a Textbook Chain of Survival
According to the City of Franklin, the man, identified as Wayne Young, collapsed on December 16 after making a delivery at the complex. City officials say a mix of restaurant employees and members of a nearby ministry jumped into action, starting CPR, bringing over an AED, and delivering a shock before emergency crews arrived. Those civilian rescuers were later recognized with Civilian Lifesaving Awards.
Free Classes and Hands-on Stations Next Wednesday
The Franklin Fire Department and local partners are turning that near-disaster into a teaching moment. They will host a free Community CPR & Public Safety Day on Wednesday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Liberty Hall inside The Factory at Franklin, with drop-in practice stations and free one-hour, non-certification adult and infant CPR sessions. Event details and the schedule are posted on The Factory at Franklin, which lists the event as free and open to the public.
Why Bystander Action Matters
The American Heart Association says immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest, which is why Franklin officials keep hammering home the value of hands-on practice for everyday residents. The city’s release also notes that Franklin’s out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates are more than three times the national average, and leaders point to the December rescue as a clear example of how rapid recognition, early CPR, and quick defibrillation in the so-called “chain of survival” can keep someone alive.
What to Expect at the Public Safety Day
According to event listings, drop-in offerings will include CPR and AED practice for adults and infants, choking response, bleeding control, overdose response and naloxone administration, car-seat checks, and a Public Safety Touch-A-Truck. The city’s event materials and the City of Franklin Facebook reel also tease door prizes, including Charlie Puth tickets courtesy of Mix 92.9, along with an appearance by the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders.
Classes are recommended for ages 12 and up and involve kneeling and other physical activity. Participants will receive a participation card that can be useful for babysitters and caregivers. Questions about the program can be directed to the city’s community CPR contacts listed on the event page or by emailing Jamie Melton at [email protected].
