Family Seeks Heroine Who Saved Man’s Life

What was supposed to be a nice family outing to see the on Sunday turned into a nightmare for the Telford-Proctor family. 

Shortly after arriving at the popular event, Doc Proctor, a 68-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita man, had a massive heart attack. Luckily, an anonymous Good Samaritan came to the rescue.  

Stepdaughter Holly Telford of Aliso Viejo wants to find the woman who helped save her stepdad.

"As a family, we are seeking the name of the heroine that jumped out of her car in our moment of terror and panic, and saved my dad’s life," said Telford. "We would like to find her and thank her, and -- most importantly -- present her with an Acts of Valor/Heroism award for her kindness, quick response and courage to recognize the immediate need and to act in an effort to save a life." 

Telford added: "The firefighters at the scene, the many patrons and the police were all very helpful, and instrumental in helping my family too. We would like to thank them all for their help and compassion."  

Rewind  

The day started early Sunday morning and the family arrived at the Tall Ships event around 2 p.m.

“While walking through all of the vendor displays and just past the firefighter and medic units, my stepdad stated he felt lightheaded and collapsed on the sidewalk,” Telford said. 

She and daughter Caitlin, 17, immediately began to give him CPR.

“However, his blue face put us in a state of panic and shock,” she said. “A lady that was driving in her car passed the scene, and saw us struggling to help my stepdad. She jumped out of her car, pushed me out of the way and began giving him CPR. She gave everyone around him orders to check his pulse."  

Telford and her daughter then ran to get a lifeguard, and her husband ran to get the paramedics in attendance at the event. 

“They used the defibrillator on him once to bring him back to consciousness, and a fellow Girl Scouts mom saw my family, and took my other daughter, 7, away from the scene,” she said. 

Please Step Forward

Telford said she asked everyone at the scene where the Good Samaritan was, but nobody could find her.  

“The only information I was able to gather was that the lady mentioned she was an occupational therapist," Telford said. "Nobody even saw her leave the scene."

Doc Proctor, a resident of Rancho Santa Margarita, was transported to an area hospital. 

After reading his defibrillator report, the doctor said Proctor suffered from ventricular fibrillation, Telford said.

“The doctor said whoever gave him CPR saved his life,” Telford said. 

Feeling much better, but still in the hospital, Doc Proctor said: "I would like to thank the lady that saved my life. She deserves to earn a hero award." 

His wife, Sharon Telford-Proctor, said: "Thank you for giving me a gift for more years with my husband."

If you have any information, please contact Holly Telford at 949-244-9549 or hjwilliams13@gmail.com.