Christian Lyon

Someone had sent me this screenshot from an episode of 9-1-1 that I was in (thanks) and it brought back a memory I thought I’d share. If you’re not in EMS or a medical professional in an emergency room or critical care unit you probably wouldn’t have caught it.

In this scene I’m using a bag valve mask (BVM), sometimes known by the proprietary name Ambu bag or generically as a manual resuscitator. Being left handed I originally had the bag rotated to the opposite side, using my other hand to compress the bag and my right hand to secure the mask on the patient’s face for a proper seal.

The director and DP were setting up the shot while Angela Bassett and I were rehearsing our dialogue. They asked me if the bag rotated. I said yes and flipped it around, grabbing the mask with my left hand now. They said that’s not going to work as Angela will be coming in for a closeup and my hand would be in the way. I told them it would defeat the purpose of the BVM but obviously the star/closeup overrides all and that’s what was scene when the episode aired.

The night it aired we were doing a Facebook live stream, chatting with fans of the show. The audience had its share of real firefighters who were quite critical of my BVM handling, as I was touted as a former firefighter myself. I tried my best to share the behind the scenes experience and that it was “Hollywood” after all...
👩🏼‍🚒 🚒 😎

“Flashback Friday” to 2012 at my first born’s 1st birthday party. My dad flew in from NY, as well as numerous other family and friends to help celebrate. My dear friend Doris Roberts was there to party and a good time was had by all!

Tune in today to find out who survives... 🎭🚒 You never know who you’ll see. 😉