On October 9, Linda Calderiso, one of NEPPA’s Trainers, and Courtney Crouse went out to Holyoke Gas & Electric Department to present one of their employees, Tim Judd, with the MEDIC First Aid Good Samaritan Award. This award is in recognition of someone’s extraordinary actions responding to a medical emergency and providing life-sustaining care. Tim has been with Holyoke for 27 years, and has been a Utility System Operator for 2-3 years. He currently resides in South Hampton, Mass., with his family. 

Back in June of this year, Tim was out to dinner with his family at a restaurant in East Wareham, Mass., when he noticed the woman at the table next to him was having trouble swallowing or choking. Tim asked her if she was OK three times and when the woman didn’t answer he told her to get up and he performed the Heimlich Maneuver. He cleared the obstruction on the third attempt. The woman was very thankful and at the end of their meal the woman took care of Tim and his family's meals. This was the first time Tim had to use his training to help someone in need and says, "It came so natural, it was unbelievable." Tim also goes on to say, "With the training I have received over the years from Linda, I was able to respond quickly and confidently to help her."