Heroic actions of Ohio Poll Observers: Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

By Sandie Zimmerman

While many who encounter Poll Observers often see them as a stifling necessary part of the election process, what many don’t know is that these true civil servants are driven by duty and are ready to help people at a moments notice.

At an Ohio Election Poll location, on November 6 2023, a man there to cast his vote fell to the floor clearly in medical distress. Poll Observer Cynthia Ritter, a licensed Registered Nurse, or “RN,” with ICU experience instantly ran to his aide. Using her training as a RN, Cynthia checked for a heartbeat. Discovering the man to be in cardiac arrest, she began CPR. Cynthia quickly scanned the room searching for an Automatic External Defibrillator, or “AED.’ Not finding one, she continued performing CPR. Some time later, another trained health professional came to the man’s aide and assisted Cindy in her lifesaving efforts.

EMTs arrived on the scene and took over, using an “AED” they were able to restore the man’s heartbeat to a regular rhythm. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Cynthia, the man’s heart was able to beat on it’s own.

One of the man’s friends, a retired firefighter, stopped by the polling location to thank Cynthia for saving his friend’s life. She told him that her intention was to work the later shift at the polls, but decided at the last minute to go in earlier. She gives thanks to God that she was there to help.

While Poll observes may have the skills and drive to jump into action at a moments notice, medical professionals like Cynthia urge everyone to be aware of the location of lifesaving medical supplies, when attending any event. She encourages people to take a CPR class and learn lifesaving medical procedures. Classes are available at your local YMCA, Red Cross. American Heart Association, CPRCare or check your local hospitals for classes.