Henry J. Bright helped to save Joseph H. McCaw, 46, wood treating plant operator, from suffocation, Century, Florida, August 29, 1969. Preparing to clean a large storage tank which had contained at separate times butane and chemicals, McCaw , 46, wood treating plant operator, tied a rope to a guardrail atop the tank and lowered the other end through a manhole 20 inches in diameter. He then slid down the rope; but he was affected by a deficiency of oxygen before he could put on a mask which had been lowered to him by a man atop the tank. McCaw collapsed on the bottom of the tank 12 feet below the opening. The man descended to the ground and sounded an alarm, attracting Bright, 49, carpenter, and other workmen. Learning of the situation, Bright ran to the tank, reaching it ahead of the others. He climbed to the manhole and, holding his breath, slid down the rope, which he then tied securely around McCaw. Still holding his breath, he twice signaled with the rope to indicate to the other men who had climbed onto the tank that he was ready to be pulled out. When his signals evoked no response, Bright called out to the men. He then was forced to inhale and began to feel dizzy. Bright grasped the rope securely and was pulled through the manhole. The men then drew McCaw from the tank. McCaw was removed to a hospital, where he regained consciousness. He recovered.
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