Ballwin employees honored for lifesaving actions

Two Ballwin employees have been honored for their quick action coming to the aid of a resident stricken while playing volleyball at The Pointe.

Michael Kinealy, a lifeguard at The Pointe, and Amanda Maragni, a Ballwin police officer, received commendations at the city’s Board of Aldermen meeting March 11 for coming to the rescue of Suresh Arumugham.

Arumugham collapsed during a volleyball game Feb. 16. Kinealy, who was at The Pointe that day, and Maragni, who was dispatched to the scene when the incident was reported to 911, administered CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator on the victim. Paramedics from the Metro West Fire Protection District arrived soon after and continued the emergency treatment; then rushed Arumugham to the hospital.

Arumugham, who was at the meeting when Kinealy and Maragni were honored, said he is still receiving rehabilitation treatment but that he has recovered quickly after a stent was inserted in a blood vessel.

Edward Beirne, Metro West assistant chief, noted that the actions by Kinealy and Maragni undoubtedly were a major factor in saving Arumugham’s life.

“It’s impossible to overemphasize the importance and value of having equipment such as an AED readily available, as well as people who know how to use that equipment and who are trained in life-saving techniques,” Beirne said.

Maragni received a chief’s commendation from Steve Schicker, Ballwin’s police chief. She joined the department just nine months ago.

A student at CBC High School and a lifeguard at The Pointe for two years, Kinealy was awarded a citation of merit from Linda Bruer, director of parks and recreation.