Ernest Ray Elkins, Jr., saved William G. Hickman from suffocation, Huntington, West Virginia, January 30, 1963. In a chemical plant hydrogen sulfide gas escaping from a break nearby entered the room in which Hickman, 57, process worker, and Elkins, 38, kiln operator, were working. Noting that he was beginning to feel dizzy, Elkins realized that gas was present and told Hickman they should leave. Elkins opened a sliding door leading to a room with an outside exit and then was overcome. Hickman lost consciousness at the opposite side of the room. Air entering through the outside door, which was slightly open, revived Elkins. He got to his feet and noticed Hickman lying on the floor. Aware that the gas could have lethal effects in only a few minutes, Elkins opened the outside door to let in fresh air. Still weak from effects of the gas, he walked as fast as he could across the room to Hickman and took hold of one of his wrists with both hands. With difficulty he dragged Hickman 35 feet to the sliding door, 22 feet through the adjoining room, and thence to the outside. Elkins began artificial respiration on Hickman but was too weak to continue. He called other workmen, who revived Hickman.
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