Wauconda Teen Honored For Using CPR To Save Man's Life

(CBS) -- A Wauconda High School student paid attention to her cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training in Girl Scouts and a pair of high school classes. Wednesday, she was honored by McHenry County for saving a man's life.

Sixteen-year-old Megan Ringel was at her best friend's home when a man collapsed across the street. At first the two girls thought it was an argument until they realized what the screaming was about.

Megan sprinted across the street and began doing chest compressions, but they failed to revive the man. She admitted to having her doubts as she pinched the man's nose and began administering rescue breaths.

After the third breath, the man began to sputter.

Wauconda Fire Department paramedics took over moments later, so she didn't have a chance to ask the man many questions. But she said he thanked her from her hospital bed for saving his life.

Megan's parents were with her as Sheriff Keith Nygren praised her for never hesitating and not giving up.

"Having CPR classes in school is super-important," she said. "I know a lot of kids in high school who are like, 'This is never going to happen so I'm not going to pay attention during this.' But if you don't pay attention, and you're in a situation like this, you're not going to know what to do."

After first learning CPR as a Scout, she received refreshers in a babysitting class and most recently in a health class last spring.

Nygren said Megan is the youngest person ever to receive McHenry County's lifesaving award, a medal that she gets to keep permanently.

The school will honor her next month.