Sixteen years ago, Tim Mikeska (THS Class of 1978) donated a large number of Automated External Defibrillators to various schools and organizations to help save lives. Taylor ISD received three of these devices which are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
Recently while visiting Taylor High School as part of the Taylor ISD Ambassador Program, Mikeska saw one of those AEDs that had been brought over from the previous high school building. The device still contains the memorial plaque for his mom, Joy Marshall Mikeska, a proud Taylor High School graduate from the class of 1940.
“It really made me feel good to know they’re still using this AED,” said Mikeska.
“I wanted to do something to honor my mother, and the best way for me to do that was to donate these in her memory, knowing it could save someone’s life.”
Mikeska started Taylor Heartsaver in 1982 to teach CPR to citizens. During that time, he taught CPR in Taylor to more than 300 people. As a Texas Department of Health EMS Course Coordinator and Examiner, he also taught hundreds of EMTs and Paramedics.
Now 40 years later, Taylor Heartsaver LLC is once again teaching CPR to adults for adult, child and infant circumstances, as well as proper use of AEDs, administration of naloxone for overdose, anaphylaxis emergencies, first aid, and OSHA environmental emergencies.
Mikeska recently recertified as an instructor for American Heart Association Basic Life Support, Take10 and Stop the Bleed.
