A typical day at work in December suddenly went into slow motion for DiamondJacks Casino employee Victoria Torrain when a regular patron collapsed at a machine.

Torrain, a security-emergency medical responder at the casino, teamed with co-workers to administer CPR and save the man’s life.

“We thought he might have fallen,” Torrain said Thursday during an American Red Cross buffet luncheon at Riverwalk Casino that was part of the local office’s Heroes Campaign and National Volunteer Week. Torrain and security shift supervisor Starling Murphy were recognized as lifesavers by the organization.

Turns out, the elderly man had gone into cardiac arrest and needed medical attention. He was kept alive by quick thinking and paramedics’ timely response, Torrain said.

“I didn’t think of the drama of it,” she said. “I just had a top-notch team with me.”

The local office, part of the Mississippi Capital River Chapter, honored volunteers and accepted a $10,000 donation from Riverwalk. Overall, the local chapter has raised $17,000 toward the $20,000 local goal for the program. Statewide, the program has raised $100,000, local office manager Beverly Connelly said.

Businesses in Vicksburg recognized as key volunteers during the event were Riverwalk, DiamondJacks and Ameristar casinos, Anderson-Tully and Trustmark Bank.

“Each one of you know it’s the volunteer that makes a comfort kit or donates a blanket,” said Janice Sawyer, local emergency services coordinator. “We would not be who we are today without our volunteers.”

Special recognition also went to Mary Hamilton and Joan Marie Kaye of the Jackson-based regional chapter.