Ferry crew, nurse provide CPR to man who had heart attack on ship

KINGSTON, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say a well-trained Washington State Ferries crew and a registered nurse who happened to be nearby swung into action and provided CPR to an 80-year-old man who had an apparent heart attack as he walked onto a state ferry.

The Kitsap Sun reports that the Bainbridge Island man collapsed late Wednesday morning as he boarded the Tokitae for a sailing to Edmonds.

Terminal supervisor Dawn Siegrist says the ship's crew responded "like clockwork" and provided extensive CPR to the unconscious man.

By the time a fire crew arrived, he was reported to be breathing and alert. He was taken to a Bremerton hospital.

North Kitsap Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Michele Laboda says the effort gave the man "the best possible chance of surviving."

The man was not identified. His condition was not available Wednesday night.