Penn High School teen given award for saving a man's life using CPR

It can be a matter of life or death.

A Penn High School teen learned that while taking a CPR class two years ago.

Tonight (Monday), he was honored for putting those skills to use and saving a man's life.

Logan Hill says he never expected to use CPR in real life, but his instincts kicked in.

On October 23, Paul Anderson was working at the post office when he collapsed. It was what Logan did in the next seven minutes that earned the title of heartsaver hero.

“Logan stepped up in a time of need and, boy, I’m just so truly thankful,” said Anderson. “Had it not been for him knowing CPR but also willing to step in the role, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Logan didn't think twice when he saw Anderson collapse.

“As soon as I saw him on the ground, I was like, ‘I know CPR,' I can help,’” said Hill.

With the help of two clerks, Logan did his part while paramedics came.

“I was doing the chest compressions while Brenda was doing mouth-to-mouth,” said Hill. “I was there for seven minutes, they said.”

It's a skill he learned from his teacher Rod Pawlik two years ago.

Pawlik has taught thousands of students CPR over his 40-year career, but this is a first.

“Usually I tell the kids ‘I hope you never have to use this,’ but I do hope that if you ever have to, you do,” said Pawlik. “That’s what so great about what Logan did -- that he just stepped right in.”

Pawlik says seeing Logan be honored is special.

“It makes you feel real good that something you did actually saved someone’s life,” said Pawlik.

Since 2014, it's been a requirement for schools in Indiana to teach CPR.

Logan's action is why Stephanie Rosenberg from American Heart Association is pushing to get every state to make that training mandatory.

"I’ve already told this story I think a few dozen times to other schools,” said Rosenberg. “It matters, not every school teaches CPR and it really does make a difference.”

Rosenberg says every year more than 350,000 people have cardiac arrest and fewer than half receive immediate medical assistance.

"90 perrcent will die if they don’t receive help right away,” said Rosenberg.

When they do, survival rates triple, which is why Logan believes everyone should learn just in case.

“I’m very grateful that I helped him be here today,” said Hill, “and helped him get back to his family.”

The American Heart Association is now working to get AED's in post offices and other businesses to help save more lives.

Anderson says he feels physically stronger but still has several months of recovery.

Both Anderson and Logan say they will make sure they remain in each other's lives going forward.