First reponders earn lifesaving award for response to person in cardiac arrest
MADISON – Earning awards for their work, firefighters with Madison Fire and Rescue Department, along with HEMSI employees, applied their skills to quickly respond with split-second behavior to rescue a citizen who was experiencing cardiac arrest.
Fire Chief Brandy Williams with the Madison department coordinated the presentation of awards for the lifesaving situations when first-responders’ applied their training and experience. Williams delivered the awards at the Madison City Council meeting on April 13.
Both awards recognize individuals who utilized their experience and made a difference in the outcome of someone’s life.
“On Feb. 23, Engine 1, Ladder 1, Battalion 1 and HEMSI were dispatched to Phaze 3 Fitness at 145 Plaza Blvd.,” Williams said during the presentation. “When the firefighters arrived on scene, several bystanders had already started resuscitation efforts on the patient.”
“Carson Freeman was the first one to reach the patient and prepared him for CPR. John Reese Bellew started CPR steps for the patient. Madyson Woodburn set up the AED device and applied a shock. Randall Stanley delivered rescue breaths. Hyewon Llim assisted with patient care,” Williams said.
The patient regained a pulse and was resuscitated at Phaze 3 Fitness. The collaboration on procedures, quick action and working together led to resuscitation, Williams said.
“Steven Chop accessed the patient. Sam Yates checked for a pulse. Seth Stevens, Grayson Hope and Joshua Gates supported the patient’s breathing,” Williams said.
In addition, Allen Phillips, Seth Stevens and John Galloway established an IV for medication. Jason Tidwell stabilized the scene. Steven Chop and Sam Yates rode with the patient in the ambulance to the hospital.
The City of Madison recognized the following individuals with the Unit Citation Award: Captain Jason Tidwell, Captain John Gallaway, Captain Steven Chop, Driver Sam Yates, Driver Grayson Hope, Firefighter Joshua Gates, Firefighter Seth Stephens, Firefighter Allen Phillips, HEMSI Paramedic Sammi Smith and HEMSI EMT Paige Baxter.
“The Unit Citation is a Madison Fire award,” Williams said. “Basically, the Unit Citation is for a firefighter that provided support during the call but was not involved in a direct lifesaving procedure (according to department policy).”
The Unit Citation may be awarded to anyone who, acting as part of a crew or team, is successful in saving a life during fire, rescue, medical or other emergency mitigation operations, Williams said.
“For example, this person could have provided equipment from the truck or a (medical) bag that was needed, could have worked with the family to obtain more information or comfort them and (for other situations),” Williams said.
The Star of life award was presented to John Reese Bellew, Carson Freeman, Hyewon Llim, Randall Stanley and Madyson Woodburn.
A person can receive the Star of Life Award for successfully saving a life while other individuals are involved with an ongoing medical intervention. A ‘successful life save’ is defined as someone who survives a life-threatening event and is discharged from the hospital.
For more information, visit Facebook/ City of Madison, Alabama City Hall or Facebook/Madison Fire & Rescue.
