First responders jump into action at Bethany tri
The very recipients of the funds generated by the 4th annual Bethany Beach First Responders Sprinternational Triathlon-Duathlon-Aquabike were called to action Sept. 20.
In the very early morning, David Marine, a 37-year-old athlete from Pottstown, Pa., collapsed while walking with fellow triathletes to the Bethany Boardwalk Bandstand for the opening ceremony. Immediately, eight members of the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services team, Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Chief Brian Martin and members of BBVFC Fire Police and other emergency staff sprang into action.
First responders immediately started CPR and were able to use a defibrillator and other life-saving measures. Fortunately, due to his immediate care, David is alive and well. Those first responders saved his life.
In a recent email to the race directors, David said, “I love doing the Bethany tri! Sorry to worry everyone. I am lucky that all the first responders were there for me. The good news is that I'm doing well; please let everyone know that.”
Race Director Rick Hundley said: “Thank God for our first responders! We could not have picked more deserving beneficiaries for this event! Safety is Focus Multisports' No. 1 priority in the planning and execution of all of our events.”
“We are grateful to our well-trained and capable first responders, today and every day. They are critical members of the team for our athletic events, but also in our everyday lives. We are so glad that we can help equip them to continue their good work through our fundraisers,” said Ernie Felici, race director.
With the news that David was responding well to care at Beebe Healthcare, the triathlon, duathlon and aquabike events commenced with a prayer of thanks and safety led by the Rev. Mary Allen from St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach.
Mother Nature also rejoiced by arranging wonderful weather, calm seas, a school of playful dolphins and an appearance by a highly coveted whale during the swim leg.
The weekend-long schedule of events began with a pre-race party at the world-famous Starboard in Dewey Beach, and also benefited Autism Speaks and Share-A-Lot, in addition to first responders.
Including Meris Properties, there are other sponsors to thank: PNC Bank, ResortQuest Real Estate, Run & Tri Rehoboth Beach, Giant Foods, Bethany Blues, Wilgus Associates, Peninsula Oil, Sea Colony Homeowners Association, Coastal Point, 3rd Wave Beer, The Delaware Wave, Hyatt Place Dewey Beach, Baja Beach House Grill, Cycling Center of Coastal Delaware, Delmarva Two Way Radio, The Starboard, Mangos, DJ Padraig, D3 Corp, Creative Resource Group, ARES, Armands Pizza, Bethany Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, The Bicycle Connection, Bricks Multisport, Dickey’s Frozen Custard, The Dispatch, Hook ’Em & Cook 'Em, Ann Kangas Public Relations, Mid-South Audio , Ocean RV Center, Southern Delaware Tourism, Tansey Warner Real Estate along with Seashore Striders, Racine Multisports, US Candids, Oceanonva Spa, and J&A Racing.
