Local Volunteers Help Save Someone’s Life
West Pierce Fire & Rescue recently recognized Neely Sipes-May and Nathan May for their quick response that helped save a life this summer.
“I just felt really ready to save somebody’s life that day,” recalled Neely.
On June 30, 2026, the mother and son were driving when they noticed a person lying on the side of the road.
“There was a bunch of people around her,” said Neely. “They all had their phones out, and they were calling for resources.”
“They looked like they didn’t know what to do,” said Nathan. “We knew it was an overdose right when we walked up.”
Neely asked if anyone had administered naloxone, or Narcan.
“They said, ‘No, we don’t have that,’” said Neely. “And I said, ‘Well, I do, and this is my first time to use it.’”
Neely had recently taken a course through the PulsePoint app, a free app that lists calls and emergencies happening in the community.
Last year, WPFR partnered with the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington to use the PulsePoint app to educate “citizen responders” and help reduce overdose fatalities. Through the app, people can access a link to a free, 30-minute online naloxone training.
Because of the training, Neely made sure she was prepared. She kept protective gloves and one package of Narcan in her vehicle as a precaution.
“I only had one package, and I didn’t ever think I’d use it,” she said.
She performed a sternum rub, a physical test used to see if an unresponsive person can be awakened. When the person remained unresponsive, Neely administered the naloxone.
The person “immediately gasped,” and once first responders arrived on scene, they were able to take over.
Their preparedness and quick thinking helped save a life. Neely and Nathan received the Life Saving Award at the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on Aug. 11.
“By seeking life-saving training, carrying appropriate safety equipment, and having the courage to act, you gave another person the opportunity to survive a critical incident,” said WPFR Fire Chief Ryan McGrady. “On behalf of West Pierce Fire & Rescue and the community we serve, thank you for your exemplary actions.”
“I’m grateful,” said Neely. “But anyone can do it. Get the PulsePoint app, then take the little course that’s offered.”
Neely now carries three or four boxes of naloxone in her vehicle.
“She kept the stuff in her car. She did that right away, and that really paid off,” said Nathan. “And it makes me happy to know that by our actions, we can help save people.”
Neely and Nathan are both volunteers and members of the WPFR Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT. CERT is a free, six-class series in which community members are trained to help in emergency situations.
They made the most of free resources available to the community, and that training helped prepare them for this exact moment. Those same resources are available to the public.
- Click here to learn more about CERT
- Click here to download the PulsePoint app
- Click here to take the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington’s free 30-minute naloxone (Narcan) training
- Purchase naloxone at a pharmacy near you or click here to find free naloxone in Washington (courtesy of Washington State Department of Health)
Even when you’re prepared to help, always make sure to call 911 when there’s an emergency.
Click here to watch Neely and Nathan tell the story from their perspective.