STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Staff Spotlight with Scott Christian, Matthew Light, and Israel Vargas
On December 6, 2017 Community Service Specialist Israel Vargas contacted Corporal Scott Christian and Officer Matthew Light, regarding a single vehicle collision on Folsom Blvd. in front of Folsom Hall. They arrived to discover the vehicle's airbag had deployed, and the driver was left unresponsive. Officer Matt Light and Corporal Scott Christian were the first units on scene.
Both Corporal Christian and Officer Light took immediate control of the situation and assessed that the driver of the vehicle was unconscious and not breathing while slumped against the steering wheel. They attempted to reposition the driver to open her airway at which point she took one breath and began to make gurgling sounds. They also discovered she had no pulse.
Corporal Christian and Officer Light removed the driver from the vehicle and immediately began administering two person CPR. They continued performing CPR until they were relieved by an arriving fire paramedics several minutes later. Fire paramedics continued lifesaving efforts for approximately fifteen minutes and were ultimately able to reestablish a pulse and respirations. Corporal Christian and Officer Light controlled the scene and witnesses until the Sacramento Police Department arrived. The driver ultimately survived and was able to return home by Christmas.
Based on information received from paramedics and medical staff, it is likely the driver would not have survived the event without the early and appropriate lifesaving actions taken by Officer Light and Corporal Christian. It should also be noted that CSS Vargas quick observations and broadcast of information likely saved additional critical minutes and seconds for responding aid. The total team effort and coordination produced the best possible result. A job well done by all involved.
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In light of this story, this edition of The FOCUS features the three staff members of the Sacramento State Police Department whose quick action and efforts helped save the life of a motorist. Below, we asked each of them several questions about their roles and responsibilities on campus.
How long have you been with Sac State?
Scott: I’ve been with Sac State as a professional staff member for nearly twenty one years. I started out as an Information Technology Consultant with University Outreach Services, and then moved to the Financial Aid Office. I completed the extended format police academy in 2004, and was hired as a police officer with the department a few months later.
Matt: Seven years as a police officer.
Israel: I have been with Sacramento State for eight years.
Who are your primary customers?
Scott: My primary customer base is the entire campus community, to include campus visitors as well as the general public. As police officers, we have an obligation to serve and protect the public, whether or not the person has an affiliation to the campus.
Matt: I serve students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the campus.
Israel: Staff, faculty, students, and visitors.
How would you define your role on campus?
Scott: The campus is an educational institution for post-secondary education, and the primary responsibility of the department is to ensure that the campus is a safe learning environment. As such, I also have a responsibility to educate the campus community about all aspects of campus safety, ranging from the safekeeping of their valuables and personal effects to personal/campus safety information.
Matt: Our role is to provide protection to life and property.
Israel: To provide campus safety through prevention, observation, and reporting.
In your position, what are some of the biggest challenges faced, or rewards found?
Scott: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a police officer is when you get to make a difference in a person’s day, and hopefully, for the positive. In a lot of instances, when I respond to a call, I am the first police officer the person has ever spoken to for any reason, and I find it rewarding when I am able to leave them with a positive impression of the police department, and hopefully, in turn, police officers in general.
Matt: The most rewarding aspect is being able to help others with both large and small problems.
Israel: The recent car accident is a great example of something that was both rewarding and challenging.
How would someone contact you?
Scott: I can be reached by email at schristian@csus.edu, or by telephone at 916-278-6000. They can also flag me down, if they see me on campus, as most of the time, I am on bicycle patrol.
Matt: Contact the University Police Department at (916) 278-6000, email me at mlight@csus.edu, or approach me when I'm out an about.
Israel: Feel free to contact the University Police Department main line at (916) 278-6000, or visit me at the Sacramento Hall Information Desk, where I am often working.
