WICHITA, Kansas -- The Red Cross is taking time to honor those who go above and beyond making our community of Wichita great.
People across the community were nominated and we're introducing you to the select few chosen as Red Cross 'Heroes.'
Lieutenant T.J. Popp is a paramedic in Sedgwick County who saved a life and a wedding, all in one day.
"It was very nerve wracking," says T.J.
He's not always practicing CPR.
On August 11th this year he was a groomsman in his sister's wedding.
"We're sitting out there taking pictures and someone had yelled at me that I needed to come over there. I figured I was in trouble for something not picture related," explains T.J.
He found his grandmother had fallen to the bottom of the basement stairs, she was curled up in a ball and blood was everywhere.
T.J. yelled for someone to call 911 and shed the tux jacket.
"She was talking, but not very well so I just started applying pressure with my hand," says T.J.
He used towels to try and stop the bleeding while he waited for backup to arrive.
"When the EMS crews got there, I had already started getting all of her information, she didn't have any medical problems, she wasn't taking any medications which probably contributed to how she's still alive today."
EMS crews got T.J.'s grandmother on oxygen, got an IV started and were ready to head for the hospital.
"They tried to leave with me in the truck and I had to stop them. It was very hard not to go with her, but I also knew if I left everyone would freak out, the wedding would know that something was really bad. I knew she was in good hands, I went ahead and stayed behind."
T.J.'s grandmother went on to make a complete recovery.
After rehab and reconstructive surgery, T.J. says it's like she never missed a beat.
His sister's wedding never missed a beat either.
"She wasn't too happy that nobody told her but she understood."
T.J.'s lifesaving efforts are why the Red Cross chose him as a hero.
"Now, I'm her favorite grandson."
T.J. and other Red Cross heroes will be honored at a breakfast reception December twelfth.
