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 By Kevin Carbery; Staff Writer
Employees of MasterChem Industries of Antonia learned firsthand that it pays to be prepared for emergencies.
Three workers from the company were recognized Monday at the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross headquarters in Creve Coeur for their emergency response efforts in two separate incidents in 2005. They were among seven groups of people from the metropolitan region presented with Lifesaver Awards by the Red Cross.
The MasterChem employees credited company officials for authorizing the emergency response training they received from the Red Cross.
“Fortunately, MasterChem took the interest to have several of us trained in first aid,” Don Sherman Jr., 49, of Festus, said. “It most definitely helped us in these lifesaving instances.”
“It’s good that they do this presentation,” Larry Craft, 55, of Bloomsdale, said. “Maybe it will encourage other businesses to have training like this. I’ve worked at other places and never had training like this before.”
Sherman, a production supervisor, and Don Neu, 49, a liquid recovery technician from House Springs, were honored by the Red Cross for their efforts March 1, 2005, in assisting a vendor who was injured when his clothing got caught in a machine at MasterChem.
The men explained that the victim’s shirt caught fire after becoming entangled in the machine. Among his injuries were third-degree burns from the shirt melting on his back and a dislocated shoulder, as well as a severely injured arm.
“We covered him up, made sure he was conscious,” Neu said.
“His clothes were still smoking,” Sherman added.
Less than two weeks later, Craft, who works in MasterChem’s maintenance department, came to the rescue of a fellow employee. On March 13, 2005, the victim was choking while having lunch and Craft successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on him.
“I’d never done the Heimlich before,” Craft said. “It took a while to work, because he’s a big guy. It worked. It dislodged a hot pepper from his throat. He’s OK.”
The MasterChem employees said they were somewhat self-conscious about getting recognition for their lifesaving efforts, but appreciated the presentation.
“It’s kind of embarrassing a little bit,” Sherman said. “But, I’m enjoying it.”
Craft and Neu both said they wished their stories would urge others to lend a helping hand to those in need.
“It’s interesting,” Craft said. “It’s pretty neat. This is good. I think it will encourage other people to help others.”
“This ceremony is unexpected and it’s nice,” Neu said. “I hope the publicity will urge more people to get involved.”
Dale Walser, environmental health and safety manager for MasterChem, said company officials appreciate the heroics of Sherman, Neu and Craft.
“We’re proud to have these individuals as part of our team,” he said. “It shows their concern for other employees. We’re proud to have them. Our training pays for itself.”
MasterChem manufactures specialty coating paints.
According to the Red Cross, the Lifesaver Award program is designed to inspire others to get trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation by recognizing metro area citizens for their heroic actions in emergencies. March is American Red Cross Month.
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