First responders mark cardiac arrest survivor’s anniversary

On March 20, Redmond Fire & Rescue, Deschutes County 911 and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office had the privilege to celebrate with the family of a cardiac arrest survivor.

One year ago, the patient suffered from a sudden cardiac arrest while at home. The family quickly identified the cardiac arrest, called 911 and began early CPR with the assistance of 911 personnel until first responders arrived.

Deschutes County deputies were the first on scene, took over CPR and delivered two shocks using an AED (automated external defibrillator).

Redmond Fire & Rescue arrived on scene, revived the patient and provided advanced cardiac life support. The patient was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in critical condition.

“Today, the patient and family are doing great thanks to the quick reaction of the family and first responders,” said Doug Kelly, Redmond Fire’s EMS Division chief. “This is a model of the American Heart Association Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival.”