Moorpark man’s life saved by deputies

Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release

Effective Bag-Valve-Mask Ventilation Saves Life

Deputies assigned to the Moorpark Police Department saved the life of a 60-year-old man suffering from a medical emergency Tuesday afternoon. Deputies Raul Merino and Matthew Rodriguez responded to a report of a man who had stopped breathing. Both deputies arrived quickly at the victim’s apartment and relieved family members, who were performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Deputies realized the man was experiencing respiratory distress, and was struggling to breathe. During life-saving efforts, the deputies performed two-person CPR, utilizing a bag valve mask (BVM), in conjunction with chest compressions, which ultimately stabilized the victim. Fire department personnel and paramedics arrived on scene and continued emergency treatment. The man was later transported to a local hospital where he remained in critical condition. 

A bag valve mask is a handheld device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who have stopped breathing or are not breathing adequately. In November 2020, deputies at the Moorpark Police Station received updated training on the use of bag valve masks, which are now equipped in every patrol unit. The devices have replaced the CPR masks deputies have been using for decades. It is common for deputies to arrive first on the scene of medical calls, because our personnel are out patrolling neighborhoods around the clock. As a result, deputies often initiate CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics and fire personnel.