The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners recently recognized first responders for their lifesaving actions on two separate calls.
On July 31, a Caldwell County Emergency Services crew and City of Lenoir Fire Department firefighters performed CPR and defibrillated (shocked) a patient multiple times out of a deadly heart rhythm. Thanks to the work of the first responders, that patient, Virginia Hoyle, was able to attend a recent Caldwell County Board of Commissioners meeting and be a part of awarding Life Saver Awards to these exceptional first responders.
The Life Saver Award recipients were Captain Matthew Shook, Paramedic Kloie Bryant, EMT Gary Whisnant, Community Paramedic Tara Swanson with Caldwell County Emergency Services. The 911 dispatcher was Chuck Austin. The firefighters were Michael Clark, Charlie Philyaw, and Cody Cox from the City of Lenoir Fire Department.
In a separate incident, a Caldwell County Emergency Services crew along with Grace Chapel first responders were dispatched to a traumatic injury call and found the patient to be suffering from significant blood loss. Responders controlled the bleeding, and EMS administered blood to the patient before the patient was transported to a local trauma center.
These first responders were also recognized for their excellent patient care. Those recognized included Lieutenant Christopher Morrissey, Paramedic Amber Outlaw, Paramedic Ethan Miller. The 911 dispatchers were Bailey Quick and Amanda Duty. Grant Newton, Tanner Shelton, Tyson Maynard, Kaleb Kerley, Jackie Kerley, and Zac Bumgarner from Grace Chapel Fire.
UNC Health Blue Ridge was also recognized for their partnership with EMS. Their partnership makes it possible for EMS to be able to provide blood to patients, just as in this specific instance.
Lenoir Fire crew with patient Virginia Hoyle and Chief Jonathan Cook.
EMS and Grace Chapel crews with Chief Jonathan Cook.