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Independence, MO —
The year is just half over, but already in 2012, dozens of Independence Fire Department personnel have participated in life-saving efforts.
Assistant Fire Chief Joe Lay, the Emergency Medical Services chief for the Fire Department, said that in EMS – and particularly when discussing actions that occur in the field – a “save” is defined as “personnel arriving on the scene and finding someone whose physical condition is such that, without intervention” he or she would die.
If the person is revived and stabilized until he or she reaches the hospital for more advanced intervention, it is considered a “save.” At the June 25 study session, 55 personnel were recognized for four trauma and 15 medical saves that had taken place since Jan. 1. Some of the personnel recognized were involved in multiple life-saving events.
Among the four trauma saves, two people were injured in a motor vehicle accident and experienced critical injuries, Lay said. They both were discharged from the hospital and returned home.
Another trauma save involved someone who was struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle. He suffered a critical brain injury, and in late June, he remained in the hospital, Lay said.
The final trauma save involved a person who suffered critical airway burns. That person is now out of the hospital and is receiving rehabilitative therapy, Lay said.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize and commend all of these individuals for their actions,” Lay said. “It is an exceptional moment when someone draws on their training, experience and dedication and achieves an outcome that allows a person another chance at life.”
Among the 15 medical saves, 10 people have been discharged from the hospital to their homes or to rehab. The medical saves, Lay said, didn’t all involve cardiac arrest. They also included severe respiratory emergencies or medication or drug overdoses in respiratory arrest. Some were blood-sugar issues.
The following Fire Department personnel were recognized for their life-saving actions:
• Fire equipment operator/paramedic – Melissa Lothamer-Dusha, Michael Hall, Adam Garrett and Chris Bingham.
• Firefighter/paramedic – Kyle Bowlin, Michael Veit, Chad Sappenfield, Chris Fairbank, Gene Eddins, John Welchert, Charles Stubbs, Brent Stenslokkin, Justin Selsor, Matt Hendley, Michael Peacock, Brian Haff, Matt Bulloc, Glenda Knisely, Thaddeus Marr and Eric English.
• Captain/EMT – David Shelley, Dan Fulk, Jason Blystone, Tim Walker, Rick Webb, Mikeal Sullivan, Richard Ashley, Dave Sellars, Steve Robinson, David Nichol, Chuck Perry, Paul Yotz, John VanSittert, Rich Couch and David Hacker.
The year is just half over, but already in 2012, dozens of Independence Fire Department personnel have participated in life-saving efforts.
Assistant Fire Chief Joe Lay, the Emergency Medical Services chief for the Fire Department, said that in EMS – and particularly when discussing actions that occur in the field – a “save” is defined as “personnel arriving on the scene and finding someone whose physical condition is such that, without intervention” he or she would die.
If the person is revived and stabilized until he or she reaches the hospital for more advanced intervention, it is considered a “save.” At the June 25 study session, 55 personnel were recognized for four trauma and 15 medical saves that had taken place since Jan. 1. Some of the personnel recognized were involved in multiple life-saving events.
Among the four trauma saves, two people were injured in a motor vehicle accident and experienced critical injuries, Lay said. They both were discharged from the hospital and returned home.
Another trauma save involved someone who was struck by a tractor-trailer while riding his bicycle. He suffered a critical brain injury, and in late June, he remained in the hospital, Lay said.
The final trauma save involved a person who suffered critical airway burns. That person is now out of the hospital and is receiving rehabilitative therapy, Lay said.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize and commend all of these individuals for their actions,” Lay said. “It is an exceptional moment when someone draws on their training, experience and dedication and achieves an outcome that allows a person another chance at life.”
Among the 15 medical saves, 10 people have been discharged from the hospital to their homes or to rehab. The medical saves, Lay said, didn’t all involve cardiac arrest. They also included severe respiratory emergencies or medication or drug overdoses in respiratory arrest. Some were blood-sugar issues.
The following Fire Department personnel were recognized for their life-saving actions:
• Fire equipment operator/paramedic – Melissa Lothamer-Dusha, Michael Hall, Adam Garrett and Chris Bingham.
• Firefighter/paramedic – Kyle Bowlin, Michael Veit, Chad Sappenfield, Chris Fairbank, Gene Eddins, John Welchert, Charles Stubbs, Brent Stenslokkin, Justin Selsor, Matt Hendley, Michael Peacock, Brian Haff, Matt Bulloc, Glenda Knisely, Thaddeus Marr and Eric English.
• Captain/EMT – David Shelley, Dan Fulk, Jason Blystone, Tim Walker, Rick Webb, Mikeal Sullivan, Richard Ashley, Dave Sellars, Steve Robinson, David Nichol, Chuck Perry, Paul Yotz, John VanSittert, Rich Couch and David Hacker.
• Firefighter/EMT – Brian Willet, Matt Klick, Brian Latham, Kyle Stevens, Jesse George, Andrew Hacker, Billy Clark, Derek Morris and John Ochoa.
• Fire equipment operator/EMT – Don Border, John Zaver, Bart Jones, Devin Jones, Michael Stitt, Lake Crookham, Steve Stewart, Mark Biggs and Jason Conn.
• Captain/paramedic – Jeremy Watters and Michael Ditamore.
Additionally, three civilian members of the Tsunami Swim Team of Kansas City – Jason King, Matt Margritier and Ty Fowler – received a standing ovation and recognition for their efforts in saving a life at an area pool.
The men were at swimming practice when they noticed someone lying at the bottom of the pool. “Without hesitation,” Lay said, the three swam to the bottom of the pool and retrieved the unresponsive man.
They began CPR on the man when they discovered he was not breathing or moving. The patient was transported to a local hospital, was treated and was released several days later, with a complete recovery, Lay said.
