ROARING SPRING — Scott Zillinger, an electronic systems technician, was working at Central High School on March 5 when he collapsed loading equipment into his van. Quick actions by staff members using an AED device saved his life, Zillinger said Monday during the Spring Cove School District’s board meeting.

Zillinger was on hand not only to tell his story, but to stand with representatives of the Nason Foundation as the group donated new AEDs to the district.

“I’m grateful to the Nason Foundation for these lifesaving devices that you donated to the school,” Zillinger said, adding they’re “so very handy to have around, trust me.”

Chairperson Patty McGraw said the Nason Foundation was honored to present the district with the lifesaving devices and said the group recently met Zillinger and heard his story.

‘Saved my life’

Zillinger told those gathered for the school board meeting that he was loading his equipment into his van after working on the building’s fire alarm system. At that time, he blacked out and collapsed.

Some staff members, including Chief of Police Rick Brozenich and school nurse Darci Burkheimer, found him unconscious as his coworker performed CPR. An AED was quickly brought to the scene and used to resuscitate Zillinger.

“They saved my life,” Zillinger said of everyone’s actions.

Brozenich, Central Principal Stephanie Thompson and Assistant Principal Bobbi King, along with four other witnesses, attended the meeting to support Zillinger and thank the foundation for the AEDs.

Recognizing that Zillinger is a good friend to Central, Brozenich stood up and encouraged those at the meeting to get CPR training “because somebody you love may need it someday.”

“We love Scott, and we’re glad he’s still here,” Brozenich said.

Superintendent Betsy Baker said it was a good thing that Zillinger showed up for work that day because many trained individuals were nearby to save his life.

“So it was kind of a miracle that you did go to work that day,” she said.

She said it was the second time in two years that district staff had to use an AED. Another was used along a nearby road previously.

With the new additions, there are 10 AED devices in the district — at least one in each building and others located in the athletic facilities, administration building and Bean Hill, Baker said.

Once a machine is used, select parts must be replaced, which is why several of the district’s AEDs can’t be reused. Baker said she applied for a grant through the Nason Foundation but didn’t expect to receive all six devices.

While McGraw said she hopes the new AEDs don’t get used, the district should contact the foundation if they need a new device.

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.