Heroic rescue saves woman from drowning in Howard County

In June, a critical near-drowning incident occurred at Centennial Lake in Howard County, Maryland. Cale Maynard, a 27-year-old known for teaching his nephew how to fish, heard urgent cries for help while near the water on June 14. His immediate response was to jump into the lake with a personal flotation device when he identified a woman face down in the water. Maynard swam towards the distressed woman, and upon his return to the dock, he was joined by two county employees, Leo Pertman and Makiyia Staunton, who arrived in a boat to assist with the rescue. After being transported to shock trauma, the woman was later released and is recuperating well, according to authorities. The quick actions taken by the rescuer and the assistance from Pertman and Staunton highlighted the significance of good community response during emergencies and the crucial need for CPR training. Although CPR was not directly administered during this particular rescue, both Pertman and Staunton were trained to assist if needed, showcasing the value of preparedness in risky situations. In light of this rescue, Howard County officials urged community members to engage in CPR training, stating that being informed and ready can be the difference between life and death in emergencies. Dr. Matthew Levy, the Emergency Medical Services medical director at the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue, emphasized the importance of being able to recognize cardiac emergencies and the lifesaving measures that can be taken while waiting for first responders to arrive. The incident served as a reminder of the community's strength and resilience, as demonstrated by individual and collective actions in rescuing those in distress. Local officials, including Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, commended the bravery and quick thinking of all three rescuers, emphasizing that community members can and do make a significant difference in emergency situations. This rescue coincided with ongoing efforts to train more people in CPR and first aid techniques, recognizing the importance of equipping residents with the skills to aid their neighbors in times of crisis. In Howard County, nearly 3.8 million people take Red Cross first aid training classes annually, driven by a desire to enhance safety within their communities. As conversations surrounding emergency preparedness continue, community members are encouraged to become educated in CPR and related skills, reinforcing the belief that everyone has the potential to be a hero when faced with dire situations. The tragic outcome this incident could have produced was avoided due to the courageous actions of three individuals who were ready to respond when an unfortunate situation unfolded.