ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia commends the actions of deputies, security staff, EMTs, physicians and fans who assisted after a 70-year-old female became unresponsive after the conclusion of the Bills Blue & Red practice at Highmark Stadium Friday night.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Reserve Deputy John Klingensmith and Reserve Deputy Greg Daniel observed the woman slumped over on a railing in the walkway next to section 101. The deputies and multiple fans who witnessed the incident and have medical backgrounds quickly assessed the situation and recognized the need for life-saving care. Reserve Deputy Klingensmith carried the woman to the top of the walkway, while Reserve Deputy Daniel created space to lay the woman down. Reserve Deputy Klingensmith immediately commenced CPR. Reserve Deputy Bernie Kowal and AMR crews also responded upon hearing the call over their radios and also provided CPR until a pulse was detected. Once physicians and EMTs determined it was appropriate, the woman was taken out of the stadium through Gate 2, where patrol deputies provided an escort to Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. The woman was admitted to the hospital in stable condition.
This marks the second time in the last eight months that deputies and others provided life-saving measures to a fan at Highmark Stadium. On December 22, 2024, a 61-year-old man received care after becoming unresponsive. Reserve Deputy Kowal also provided CPR in that case.
“Thank God for the professionalism and training of our deputies, the EMTS and physicians on scene at Highmark Stadium. They are all heroes,” said Sheriff Garcia. “Please consider learning CPR. None of us know when we might need this important skill.”
You can find a CPR class near you by visiting https://cpr.heart.org/en/course-catalog-search.