Bobby Jackson was coaching a girls’ little league basketball game in Blanchard, when suddenly he collapsed on the court.
Ralph Callaway and his son Roy (Callaway) are both firefighters and happened to be at the game as spectators to watch Roy’s daughter play. Ralph is a Captain with the Newcastle Fire Department with 27 years of experience, while Roy is a Major at Moore Fire Department. They both work opposite shifts but were able to make it to watch the game.
“I was watching (Bobby) and I could tell something wasn’t right,” Ralph said. “Then, he hit the floor.”
Ralph didn’t know exactly what was happening, but his 27 years of experience in emergency responses told him it was urgent. Bobby had gone into cardiac arrest.
Bystanders raced to the floor to check on his condition, and the Callaways were the ones who made it down to the hardwood first.
While checking vitals and making sure someone was calling for an ambulance, Roy began administering CPR to Bobby.
Other off-duty firefighters from Oklahoma City and Norman were also watching the little league game that day and helped in the aid efforts. The Blanchard Fire Department and McClain-Grady EMS ambulance was on its way, but Ralph knew more emergency measures needed to be taken. The firefighters brought in a medical bag and a defibrillator was placed on Bobby. He was shocked twice on the floor. An air bag was also secured to his face.
After five excruciating minutes, the ambulance arrived, Bobby was loaded and rushed to Norman Regional Health-Plex. There, he was met by medical staff and he was stabilized.
After spending two days in the hospital, he was released. His wife, Tammy, couldn’t be more grateful.
Ralph, Roy and the other firefighters had not seen or spoken to Bobby since the incident on February 4.
The Norman Regional Healthplex team excitedly hosted a reuniting ceremony at 1 p.m. Tuesday, bringing them back together, to honor the firefighters for their lifesaving measures. They were joined by the Norman Regional Cardiovascular team, who said they were honoring the men for their valiant acts of service, jumping in and saving the life of Bobby Jackson.
