Back in March, tragedy nearly struck inside the Irwin R. Holmes Senior Recreation Center in Durham, NC when Steve Martin suffered a heart attack while playing pickleball.

That's when Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) staff members immediately sprung into action to attempt to resuscitate him by performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

According to a report by WRAL, Martin was unresponsive for approximately eight to 10 minutes while life-saving measures were continuously being performed until first responders arrived on-scene.

Fortunately, the avid pickler and yoga enthusiast eventually regained consciousness just as the ambulance transporting him to the hospital arrived at the emergency room.

He was released after one week.

"It was a normal day and they ended up saving a life," Martin told WRAL earlier this year. 

Last Friday, all seven employees who stepped up to help were recognized for their outstanding efforts.

Destiny Garrett, DeAnne Brown, Ashley Harris, Kira Hoover, Morris Johnson, and Takeschia Bullock received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award and the Extraordinary Personal Action Award.

Makali Mosley was also acknowledged for his crowd control efforts.

"These amazing people used their training and quick thinking to save a life. While we hope to never have to use those skills, it is vital our team members are trained in CPR and how to operate life-saving equipment," said DPR Director Wade Walcutt in a statement. "These seven teammates exemplify what public service means and the countless ways we can impact lives and our community."

Click here to learn more about registering for CPR and AED training from the American Red Cross.