Clinton teen recognized for saving his dad's life - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Clinton teen recognized for saving his dad's life

By: Chris Gilson
cgilson@cbs4qc.com

A 15 year old Clinton teen is being called a hero tonight after he returned the gift of life to his father.
 
Clinton High School sophomore, Josh Hill, took CPR courses last June to teach swimming at the YMCA.

While his instructor said you'll probably never have to do CPR in your life, its good to know.

But, little did Josh know he would have to use CPR, just two months later.

"My mom came in to wake me up and we were just talking for a little bit then we heard my dad gargling.  So we ran into the room and found him half laying on the bed."
 
So Josh jumped into action. He called 911 and started doing CPR on his dad.

"You know I just wanted to save my dad I was really scared."

Josh says he was worried the CPR he was giving his dad wasn't working. But, some signs proved otherwise.

"He came back a few times you know I'd stop he kind of go back and unconscious and not breathing."

Breathing that would return after about 30 minutes of Josh and EMT's working to save his dad David's life. David says it was the best gift.
 

"They were taking a breathing tube out of me and my wife whispered to me you're in the hospital you had a heart attack, Josh saved your life....It's a great way to wake up knowing that somebody in your own family saved your life."

Monday night, Josh was awarded the American Red Cross' Certificate of Merit, an honor so great even President Obama signed the certificate.

"I'm really grateful and accomplished that I did that and I had the will power to do that."

After saving his dad's life, Josh now says he wants to be an EMT, so he can save more lives.