The Kiss of Life; A Story of Bravery and Survival
Learn about the powerful story behind a famous photo and its historical significance. Join us as we explore a brave rescue in Jacksonville, Florida, and meet the heroes who saved a man’s life.
In July, photographer Rocco Morabito was heading to a photo assignment in Jacksonville. As he drove by West 26th Street, he saw two workers from the Jacksonville Electric Authority doing maintenance on a power pole. At that moment, an unexpected and tragic accident was about to unfold.
One of the workers, Randall G. Champion, was at the top of the pole when he accidentally touched an electric line. The surge of electricity made him unconscious and put his life in serious danger. Although he was wearing protective gear, he was still at risk.
J.D. Thompson, Champion’s coworker, was working on a different pole about 400 feet away. When he heard cries for help, he rushed over to Champion. However, Thompson realized he couldn’t perform CPR while Champion was suspended in the air. Knowing that time was running out, he had to act quickly to save his colleague’s life.
With few options, Thompson made a brave decision. He sealed Champion’s mouth with his own and gave him breaths of air. After several strong chest compressions, Thompson felt a faint pulse. Realizing Champion needed urgent medical help, he carefully unfastened him from the harness, carried him on his shoulder, and climbed down the pole.
When they reached the ground, Thompson and another coworker performed CPR until paramedics arrived. Champion’s pulse grew stronger, and he started breathing on his own, though he was still partly conscious. The quick and heroic actions of Thompson and his team were crucial in saving Champion’s life.
Rocco Morabito, the photographer who had initially stopped to take pictures of the workers, saw how serious the situation was. He used his car’s two-way radio to call for an ambulance. During that crucial moment, Morabito took a dramatic photo of Thompson giving Champion the “kiss of life.” The photo quickly gained international attention and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1968.
Thanks to J.D. Thompson’s quick thinking and bravery, Randall G. Champion was given a second chance at life. Champion lived for another 35 years before passing away in 2002 at the age of 64. Rocco Morabito, the photographer, sadly passed away in April 2009. As of now, J.D. Thompson, the hero of this remarkable story, is doing well.
This story of the daring rescue in Jacksonville highlights the incredible bravery and selflessness of ordinary people who become heroes in extraordinary situations. The famous photograph captures the essence of this heroic act, keeping the memory of those involved alive.
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