‘This is what makes Kaua‘i so special’: Good Samaritan, first responders honored for lifesaving efforts

A good Samaritan and several first responders were honored Tuesday for saving the life of a Kaua‘i resident last December.

Megan Gayagas, Ashley Rapozo, members of the Līhu‘e Fire Station and several personnel from American Medical Response saved the life of Melissa Gregory on Dec. 20, 2024, after she collapsed in the checkout line at Longs Drugs in Līhu‘e.

“Stepping in during an emergency isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, there are people like Megan,” said Kaua’i County Mayor Derek Kawakami during the Kaua’i County Fire Commission meeting Tuesday, when Gayagas and others were celebrated for their actions.

The mayor called Gayagas and the island’s first responders bravehearts.

“This is what makes Kaua‘i so special. We can always count on someone to step up and help a stranger in need,” said Kawakami. “We are extremely blessed.”

In that critical moment when Gregory collapsed, Gayagas immediately took action, calling 9-1-1. With guidance from Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatcher Rapozo and her previous training, Gayagas began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Gregory.

As emergency responders were already in motion, off-duty Kaua‘i firefighter Cy O’Brien was alerted to the emergency through the PulsePoint app and happened to be in the area. He immediately responded to the scene and assisted first responders.

Gregory became emotional Tuesday as she expressed her gratitude to those who saved her life.

“I am blessed and lucky to live on Kaua‘i,” said Gregory. “Thank you, everyone, for having me here today. I have a husband, our two children and our two dogs. I am just so blessed. Thank you very, very much.”

Kaua‘i Deputy Fire Chief Roger Mills said the events on that fateful December day serve as a powerful reminder about the critical importance of bystander CPR and the seamless collaboration between community members, dispatchers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

“Thanks to their efforts, Melissa is alive today,” said Mills during Tuesday’s meeting.

These “bravehears” were honored during a special ceremony:

Community

• Megan Gayagas

Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch

• Ashley Rapozo

Līhu‘e Fire Station, Rescue 3

• Fire Capt. Kilipaki Vaughan
• Firefighter Jonathan Martin
• Firefighter Alden Lind

AMR/MEDIC 25

• Paramedic Jonathan Kusano
• Paramedic Keavy Brennan
• EMT Giorgio Diequez

Off-duty firefighter

• Firefighter Cy O’Brien

The community is encouraged to download the free PulsePoint mobile app, which alerts users trained in CPR and willing to assist when someone nearby is having a cardiac emergency.

is free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching for “PulsePoint.”

PulsePoint also directs users to the nearest publicly accessible automated external defibrillator, which is crucial in providing immediate aid while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

You can download the app from the Apple Store and Google Play.