'We were able to prevent a death:' Oklahoma State students, staff, and officers honored for saving student’s life

In room 270 of Oklahoma State University’s Student Union, everyone knows who Josh Johnston is. 

But Josh doesn’t know them.  

“Just kind of confused but grateful, I would say,” said the OSU senior as he looked at the more than 50 people sitting around tables. 

Johnston sits at a table with his mother, father, sister, and friends who have been there for him since April 3rd. 

“I don’t remember any of it, I just kind of remember waking up in the hospital,” said Johnston. “What happened to me? Where am I?”

Johnston collapsed and went into cardiac arrest while playing basketball at the Colvin Recreation Center on campus earlier this month. 

Students, staff, and OSU officers did CPR and used an AED for nearly 10 minutes before paramedics arrived to bring Johnston to Stillwater Medical Center. 

“Hi Josh good to see ya, really good to see you actually,” said Dr. Todd Misener, OSU Chief of Wellness, from the podium. 

Dr. Misener said there is a 1 in 100,000 chance someone will go into cardiac arrest at a rec center, but while rare, the staff and student workers train for it constantly. 

“We spend an awful lot of time preparing for stuff that we pray will never happen,” said Dr. Misener. “But in this instance, we were able to prevent a death.” 

On Monday, the student workers, a staff member, and two officers were honored with life saving awards. 

Student Department of Wellness employees

1. Dominic Vaccarello — CPR: 
2. Kolsten Gensler — Started CPR 
3. Halle Dugan — Applied Automatic External Defibrillator

Staff

1. Dr. Jason Linsenmeyer, assistant director of operations for the Department of Wellness — Applied AED 

Officers

1. Chris Royston — CPR 
2. Briana Page — CPR

“I never thought I would end up using my CPR certification, but I’m glad I had it and was able to apply what I know,” said Dominic Vaccarello, an OSU Student who was working at the Colvin when Johnston collapsed. 

Johnston has been in a rehab center in Oklahoma City, but expects to be cleared for physical activity again in a few days. 

He said he’s been doing a lot of memory exercises. 

“The last three weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster as well but the good news is you guys were successful, Josh is saved,” said Tim Johnston, Josh’s dad. “Josh is going to make a full recovery and we are very grateful for that.” 

Johnston and his family still don’t know what caused his heart to stop, but now they know all the people who got it pumping again.