Skip to main content (Press Enter)
  • Accessibility
  • Contact Us
  • Maps & Directions
Official logo of Olmsted County, Minnesota government, featuring stylized text and emblematic design representing the county's identity.

Engage with Olmsted County

  • Residents
    • Services for Individuals & Families
    • Elections and voting
    • Garbage & recycling
    • Land & Property
    • Licensing, Permits, & Records
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Public Safety & Law Enforcement
    • Roads & Transportation
    • Soil & Water Resources
    • Image consent form
  • Business
    • Become a County Vendor
    • Building and Planning
    • Business Licensing & Permits
    • Commercial Garbage & Recycling
    • Surveying
  • Government
    • About Olmsted County
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Boards & Commissions
    • County Departments
    • Ordinances & Codes
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • County News & Events
  • I Want To
    • Apply
    • Pay
    • Obtain
    • Report
    • Subscribe
    • Visit
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility & Translation

Teamwork and AED helps customer at Recycling Center Plus

  • News
  • Jun 30, 2023

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus customer Ryan Zimmer collapsed at the facility. Employees on shift quickly went into action to help the customer.

Waste Abatement Supervisor Khalid Alasadi picks up the AED machine at the Recycling Center Plus.
Waste Abatement Supervisor Khalid Alasadi picks up the AED machine at the Recycling Center Plus.

“It was a routine day at the recycling center when an employee found an unresponsive customer on the ground next to their vehicle,” said Waste Abatement Supervisor Khalid Alasadi. “We called 9-1-1 and the dispatch operator was able to give our team directions on how to handle the situation.”

While first responders made their way to the recycling center, dispatch advised employees to grab the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located inside the building and use it on Zimmer.

“The AED machine gave us audio and visual guidance on how to use it. I’ll never forget the machine telling us it was going to deliver a shock,” said Alasadi. “We were hopeful we were doing everything we could to save Ryan’s life.”

The AED then instructed employees to begin chest compressions. A minute later, first responders arrived and were able to take Zimmer to the hospital.

Zimmer is on the road to recovery and was able to stop by the recycling center to thank the employees who helped him.

Customer Ryan Zimmer stands between the employees who helped him.
Customer Ryan Zimmer stands between the employees who helped him. From left to right: Bruce Kieffer, Steve Tupper, Ryan Zimmer, Khalid Alasadi, and Pete McIntire

“Before I collapsed, I remembered feeling light-headed and a little overheated,” said Zimmer. “When I came to, I was told my heart had stopped.”

Zimmer added, “I can’t thank the employees enough for saving my life. It can’t be easy to lay your hands on someone you don’t know, and I really appreciate them for doing what was necessary and having an accessible AED.”

“I appreciate the first responders and county employees for their teamwork and what they did to help Ryan that day,” said Alasadi.

This item appears in

  • County News

Share this page

Recent News

May 22, 2025
Olmsted County offices closed Monday, May 26, 2025
May 21, 2025
Olmsted County announces cannabis retailer registration lottery process
May 14, 2025
Olmsted County focus group on cannabis retail regulations – Sat., May 17, 2025
All news
  • Residents
  • Business
  • Government
  • I Want To
    • Apply
    • Pay
    • Obtain
    • Report
    • Subscribe
    • Visit
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIN
  • YouTube
  • nextdoor
  • Maps & Directions
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility & Translation
  • Salary Compliance
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer
  • Comprehensive Civil Rights Plan
  • HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Greater Minnesota Transportation Sales and Use Tax
  • Local Option Sales and Use Tax
  • Posting on website policy

Copyright © 2025 Olmsted County, Minnesota