ATLANTE – An Atlanta City Council member was leading the police when he helped save a life.

Councilman Dustin Hillis, who is the chairman of public safety, said he had just completed a round with acting police chief Darin Schierbaum last week when some people reported the police cruiser in saying their friend needed help.

“We both jumped out of the car, he was surrounded by a few friends. They told us he had overdosed on drugs, they gave him Narcan,” Hillis said.

Councilor Hillis is a registered nurse. Although he hasn’t worked in a hospital for a few years, he still retains his license and certifications. When he saw the man on the ground, all of his medical training and experience automatically came through.

“Assess the situation and make sure his airway has remained clear, perform chest rubs to try and alert him,” Hillis said.

Hillis continued to attend to the man while the ambulance was on the way.

“He started coming back after a few minutes. Sure, it was only a few minutes, but in these situations, it seems like a lifetime,” Hillis said.

Hillis said that in a very short time, more police, firefighters and paramedics were all on the scene. He was impressed with how everyone worked together to get the man the attention he needed.

“Big thanks to Zone 5 who are seeing a lot of these type of calls with overdoses in Midtown and Downtown, big thanks to Atlanta Fire Rescue for their quick action as well as Grady EMS,” Hillis said.

Regarding all of his training which started when he needed it, Hillis said: “You hope you never have to use it, but when you have to give first aid it seems to come naturally.”