Off-Duty Firefighter's Quick Actions Save Man at High School Graduation

An off-duty firefighter's quick actions and thinking saved a man's life at a high school graduation.

Graduations are special ceremonies that recognize and celebrate students' hard work and countless hours of study. They are often joyous and happy occasions as family and friends come together to honor the educational achievements of someone close to them. Regardless of the degree obtained, graduating from an academic institution of any kind is an important milestone and should be recognized as such.

Graduation ceremonies are about individuals dressed in cap and gowns striding across the stage to receive their diplomas. All the attention and focus should be and usually is on the graduating students. However, a scary, life-threatening incident momentarily took the focus off the graduates at one high school graduation. Luckily, an off-duty firefighter was in attendance, and he knew exactly what to do during the emergency.

In the clip posted on social media, a man in his 70s unexpectedly collapsed, causing a large thud as he fell to the ground at a high school graduation in Tennessee. The man had gone into cardiac arrest. Undoubtedly, it was a scary scene for all in attendance.

But one man, Jayce Pickle, was not frozen in fear. The video captures Jayce running toward the man moments after he fell to the floor. Jayce is an off-duty firefighter and immediately began performing CPR. Moments later, an AED arrived, and soon after that, Jayce was able to detect a faint pulse. Then, Jayce and several others helped carry the 70-year-old to an awaiting ambulance. The elderly man was then transported to a hospital.

Despite his efforts, Jayce remains modest about his actions that day, believing he does not fit the definition of a "hero."

"I've been a part of a lot of hero-like things," Jayce said. "Hero is a nice title, and, you know, I don't think I deserve it."