After a trucker collapsed during roadside inspection, a trooper performed CPR for 17 minutes to save his life

A Louisiana State Police (LSP) trooper is being hailed as a hero for the extraordinary measures he took to save the life of a semi truck driver who suffered a medical emergency.

The incident occurred on June 5, 2023, in Baton Rouge.

A truck driven by Thomas Taylor was stopped on US 61 near Thomas Road for a safety inspection.

LSP Sgt. Trey Bellue was inside his cruiser filling out paperwork when he noticed Taylor “fall head-first from the driver’s seat of his 18-wheeler to the ground.”

When Sgt. Bellue checked on Taylor, he was bleeding profusely from a head wound and was not conscious.

After calling for medical assistance, Sgt. Bellue began performing CPR on Taylor. He continued for 17 minutes, “stopping only briefly when a passing civilian offered to step in and assist.”

EMS arrived and were able to restore Taylor’s heartbeat.

“Thank you Sgt. Bellue for your quick response and commitment to giving it your all. We are happy to report that Sgt. Bellue was able to visit with Mr. Taylor and his family in the hospital and he is on the road to recovery!” LSP said.