Code Compliance Officer Lesley Jenkins was recognized this week
by the Arlington City Council for helping to save a life.
Community Services Director Lee Hitchcock said she’s a shining
example of how city employees are always looking out for the best
interests of residents.
On the afternoon of May 19, Jenkins was waiting at the intersection
of Waterview and Green Oaks Boulevard when a crossing guard alerted
her that a man across the street was having a heart attack. Jenkins
immediately contacted 911. Then she exited her vehicle to see what
she could do.
The daughter of a retired nurse ended up doing quite a lot.
Jenkins surveyed the situation and found the man to be disorientated
and confused. Wanting him to stay conscious until the paramedics
arrived, she engaged him in conversation. She learned that he was
diabetic and that he wasn’t certain when he’d last taken an insulin
shot.
Jenkins was also able to determine that he wasn’t having a heart
attack. He had neither chest pains nor pain down his arm. She
reported all the information she’d gathered to the paramedics, who
treated the man on the scene.
The victim recovered well. Recognition on Tuesday night at City Hall
included family members, friends and co-workers. The City Council
gave her a standing ovation.
“Lesley shows us just how important our employees are to the
community everyday,” said Mayor Robert Cluck, who challenged all
city employees to learn CPR.
Code Compliance Officer David Engel said Jenkins displayed an
ability to “think quickly under stress. This is what makes her such
an asset to this department.”
Jenkins, who has been with the City for six years, said she did what
anyone else would have done.
“Nursing runs in my family,” she said. “It wasn’t my calling. I went
in another direction. But when I’m in position to help someone,
that’s what I’m going to do.”
