COLUMBIA, S.C., February 23, 2023 -- Staff members at the Blue Marlin restaurant in Columbia, along with seven local first responders, were recognized Thursday after saving a man from sudden cardiac arrest. Maegan Horton, Executive Chef at the Blue Marlin, saved Curtis Adams' life by performing CPR on him. 

"I just checked him for a pulse, checked if he was breathing, and I knew at that point that he wasn't," said Maegan. "I asked my guys to lay him down and I started CPR."

Maegan found Curtis, a Sous Chef at the Blue Marlin, in the walk-in freezer, checked his pulse, and determined he had no pulse. With the help of other staff at the restaurant, they were able to get Curtis out of the freezer and lay him on the ground, where Maegan then performed lifesaving CPR on him. 

"I'm just so glad that I came to work that day and am glad Maegan was working too," said Curtis.

Minutes later, first responders with the Columbia-Richland Fire Department arrived and Curtis was taken to the hospital, ultimately surviving the incident.

"He still has time on this earth," said Maegan. "He still has unfinished business. He's very thankful to be here."

On Thursday, award presentations were made at the restaurant. Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins presented the CRFD Phoenix Award to the four firefighters and three Richland County EMS staff members that responded to the call. The ‘Blue Marlin’ also received a Certificate of Commendation from CRFD for the heroic acts taken by their staff.

To take a Red Cross Lifesaving course, go to www.redcross.org/takeaclass.