Life Saving recognition in North Branch Police Department ceremony, held at North Branch Fire Hall

Friday, April 4, started as just another work day at Russell’s Automotive in North Branch. Owner, Jason Russell, was on family vacation leaving his lead mechanic and two assistants to handle the business. Lead mechanic, Randy Nelson, suffered a major heart attack and received immediate assistance from his co-workers who are recent high school graduates. Tanner Ryan and Savannah Ekstedt, finding Nelson with no pulse, immediately called 911 and started CPR. They sustained CPR until officers Kyle Lund and Duane Southworth arrived to take over until the EMS folks arrived on scene. Nelson was transported by ambulance to North Branch Fire Department for air evacuation to a metro hospital. He had to be shocked three different times en route before being stabilized at the hospital. The recovery process has been slow and sometimes painful, but Randy is grateful for those that gave him a second chance at life.

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• August 1, 2025