STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
September 22, 2026
PRESENTATION
2 SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF HEROIC ACT – CPR
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Recognize Aysem Kenan for her heroic actions in a critical traffic collision.
SUMMARY OF THE MATTER
On July 16, 2026, while walking to her car from a day at the beach, Aysem Kenan witnessed a singlevehicle traffic collision on Coast Hwy and immediately recognized that something was not right. She saw the driver slumped over inside the vehicle and believed he was suffering from a serious medical emergency.
Just up the highway, Laguna Beach Fire Department Battalion Chief Chip Gilmore was on scene of a separate call. Recognizing that someone needed help, Aysem ran to get his attention. Chief Gilmore immediately responded, and together, he and Aysem removed the patient from the vehicle. They quickly determined that the patient was in cardiac arrest.
Chief Gilmore instructed Aysem to begin hands-only chest compressions while he returned to his Battalion vehicle to retrieve an AED and additional medical equipment. Aysem immediately began CPR and continued providing chest compressions until Chief Gilmore returned. The AED was applied, and two shocks were delivered on scene. The patient ultimately regained a pulse and spontaneous circulation. He was transported to the hospital for continued medical care and, remarkably, survived.
Aysem wasn't a firefighter. She wasn't a paramedic. She wasn't a medical professional. She was simply a member of our community who recognized that someone needed help and she had the courage to act. Aysem didn't wait for someone else to step forward. She didn't hesitate. She saw a person in need, ran for help, and then did exactly what was needed when the moment came. Her actions that day undoubtedly played an important role in giving this patient a chance to survive.
Submitted By:
. Approved: .
Niko King, Fire Chief Dave Kiff, City Manager
Report Prepared By: Coordinated With:
Pat Cary, Administrative Staff Captain