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James Cahua receives the Orem Fire Department's highest civilian commendation for his actions in helping save the life of Orem city empoloyee Trent Mallinson.

Courtesy Orem City

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James Cahua and Trent Mallinson, center, with employees from the Orem Public Works Department, Orem Fire Department, EMTs and the Orem City Council.

Courtesy Orem City

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James Cahua said April 12 was a day of miracles. He was late for a thing in Salt Lake, and though he rarely looks out his window because he is usually working, because he did that day, he saved the life of Orem public works employee Trent Mallinson.

“I saw him lying on the ground; he was turning purple. I knew he wasn’t breathing,” Cahua said. “His heart stopped. He found out later he had a condition he didn’t even know about; it was hereditary.”

Mallinson just collapsed and hadn’t said beforehand that anything was wrong, according to Cahua and co-workers.

Cahua said it was crazy how things played out, “like miracles. I was going to Salt Lake, I wouldn’t have been there. Things happen for a reason.”

When asked how he knew what to do in the urgent situation, Cahua said, “I learned CPR from Boy Scouts.” Now 37, he said he was surprised he still remembered what to do.

Cahua has lived in Orem since he was 7 years old. He attended Lakeridge Junior High and Mountain View High School.

In part of a letter read to the Orem City Council, the fire department wrote, “After assessing the patient, James immediately began CPR. Working with other bystanders, Orem Police, and Orem paramedics, James was integral to saving this individual’s life. James’ willingness to step into an emergency, offer his assistance, and take immediate life-saving actions made all the difference in the outcome of this patient. Without his willingness to perform CPR, the patient may not have received the necessary intervention on time, and the outcome could have been much different.”

At the City Council’s Aug. 22 meeting, Cahau was awarded the Orem Citizen Commendation Medal for his courage and bold action in saving Mallinson’s life. This award is the highest civilian award given by the Orem Fire Department.

“As Trent’s friends and co-workers, we are so grateful that James had the courage and the know-how to administer CPR and save Trent’s life,” said Pete Wolfley, Orem City communications manager. “Trent is now recovered and back to work with his team in the sign shop at Public Works. This experience has shown us all the importance of being trained in CPR because you never know when you might need to step up just like James did.”

“Getting the award was surreal, I wasn’t expecting it. I just did what I needed to do,” Cahua said. “I’m glad he is doing better.”

Cahua said everyone should learn or be taught how to give CPR, because you never know when you might need it — even if it’s 30 years from now.