Elderly Man Saved in MVA Waiting Room; Trooper Honored

ANNAPOLIS, MD – A Maryland state trooper whose quick actions saved an elderly man's life at a state office building was praised on social media Tuesday for his heroics.

Corporal Joe Wilson was the security officer on duty April 27 at the Annapolis Motor Vehicle Administration, where a 71-year-old man had been waiting to be called to complete his transaction.

Just before 5 p.m., a patron told Wilson the elderly man was unconscious but seated in the waiting area. Wilson found the man had no pulse, was not breathing, and immediately began cardio pulmonary resuscitation. He continued CPR until medics arrived with an automated electronic defibrillator to shock the victim's heart into beating normally.

The unconscious man was stabilized and taken by medics to Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Wilson, a trooper assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, was commended Tuesday for his life-saving skills.

Maryland State Police said Cpl. Wilson went above the call of duty to personally contact the man’s family. While off duty, Wilson went to the man's house to let the victim's wife know about the emergency, then drove the woman to the hospital. Knowing the wife would be alone, Wilson stayed with her until other family members arrived.

Wilson later returned to the hospital to check on the man's recovery and his family.

»Photo of lifesaver Cpl. Joe Wilson courtesy of the Maryland State Police