Boston Globe | February 3, 2014 | By Jessica Bartlett

(Above) MBTA CSA Karen Kane, Trish Bossart, MBTA Instructor Tomas Gonzales, and Bob Bossart pose for a photo. Photo by Susana Hey, MBTA.

A 24-year-old Quincy resident has MBTA employees to thank after he fell down the stairs at Wollaston Red Line station and had to be given CPR.

According to a press release, Kevin Bossart collapsed in late January at the Red Line stop while on his way to work.

The sudden cardiac arrest, due to a preexisting heart condition, caused Bossart to pass out, fall down the stairs, and hit his head, the press release said.

“MBTA Customer Service Agent Karen Kane saw him and got Tomas Gonzales, an MBTA Training School Instructor that teaches CPR, to rush over and begin administering CPR,” the release said.

Between the air performed by Gonzales, Quincy Fire, and Fallon Ambulance, Bossart received CPR for approximately 45 minutes before being able to be transported to Quincy Medical Center.

MBTA spokespeople said Gonzales isn’t normally at Wollaston Station, but was on hand that day to help with cold-weather issues.

Bossart was later taken to Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Bossart’s father said doctors credit the quality of the CPR Bossart received to saving his son’s life.

“Kevin remains in critical condition … and has a long road ahead of him, but his family wanted to meet Instructor Gonzales and CSA Karen Kane to thank them for helping their son, who will celebrate his 25th birthday next month,” the press release said.

“We’re so thankful for Inspector Gonzales and Karen Kane’s quick actions that they took to help our son, Kevin,” said Kevin’s mother, Trish Bossart, in a release. “Without their initial efforts, we wouldn’t be able to continue with the care that Kevin is now receiving and we’re looking forward to his continued recovery.”

Coincidentally, Kevin’s brother, Jeffrey Bossart, started his training at the MBTA Transit Police Academy on Monday on his way to becoming a Quincy police officer.

Friends of the family have established a fund to help defray Bossart’s medical costs. Approximately $24,000 had been raised in four days.

To donate, click here.