Saucon Teen Hailed as Hero for Saving Man’s Life in New Mexico

A Saucon Valley High School senior and Eagle Scout candidate is being recognized for his heroic actions during a national scouting conference he attended in New Mexico over the summer.

Seventeen-year-old Sam VanNorman of Lower Saucon Township was attending a week-long leadership conference at the Philmont Scout Ranch at the National Training Center for Scouting in Cimarron, N.M., and was about to leave when he heard someone yell for an automated external defibrillator (AED). When he asked what was happening, he was told someone in the parking lot was unconscious.

According to district officials, VanNorman immediately dropped what he was holding and ran outside to help.

“In the lot, VanNorman found a man on the ground, blue in the face and not breathing,” a SVSD news release about him said. “A staff member had started to help, but stopped.”

After being unable to detect a pulse, VanNorman kneeled down, began to perform chest compressions and shouted for someone to call 911 and for another person to bring the AED.

He was assisted with rescue breathing by a bystander who brought a mask, and continued to perform compressions until the AED arrived. Despite delivering a powerful shock to the man’s heart, he remained unconscious and without a heartbeat, so VanNorman continued to perform compressions, ultimately completing five rounds of CPR by the time an ambulance arrived.

It was as that happened that VanNorman finally detected a pulse. Shortly thereafter, the man began to breathe and talk again.

“It’s an opportunity you never want to have, but I’m glad I had the training,” VanNorman said in a district video about his amazing story. “It’s cool that I’m being honored…but it’s more about (raising) awareness.”

He added that he hopes hearing about his actions inspires others to be trained in CPR, so they too can potentially save a life.

In recognition of his life-saving feat, VanNorman was also honored Wednesday by Lower Saucon Township Council, which unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing his quick-thinking and willingness to help a stranger in a crisis.

The resolution also noted that VanNorman has served the community as a township junior council member for the past three years.

“This is well-deserved. What you did in New Mexico is tremendous,” said councilman Jason Banonis, who brought the idea for a resolution recognizing VanNorman to township manager Jay Finnigan.

“For your young age, to have done that, is even more remarkable,” he added. “You’re destined for great things.”

“You’re an asset to our community,” said councilwoman Priscilla deLeon. “I’m so proud of you for what you’ve done.”

Council president Laura Ray thanked him and also recognized VanNorman’s parents for how they raised him.

“You’ve done a great job,” she said. “We are very happy and honored to have Sam as a resident here and a citizen.”

In addition to school, scouting and his local government participation, VanNorman also volunteers with Lower Saucon Fire Rescue. The resolution council adopted noted that he began his scouting journey with Cub Scout Den 349 and is now a member of Troop 311.

“He is a true example of what it means to live out Saucon Valley’s mission and vision–demonstrating effective communication, problem-solving, service to others and the courage to face challenges with skill and compassion,” the district said. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on this Saucon Valley superstar. He should be Panther Proud–and we certainly are.”