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HAGERSTOWN, MD News (11/14/2024) – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES), in collaboration with Meritus Medical Center, awarded a team of paramedics and first responders the Life Savers Award for their effective and life-saving response to a cardiac arrest emergency on August 16, 2024. This recognition highlights the professional excellence and dedication exhibited by emergency personnel in critical, life-threatening situations.
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The Life Savers Award is presented by Washington County DES and Meritus Health to honor responders whose professional actions significantly improve a patient’s survival and quality of life after cardiac arrest. This event also enables first responders to reconnect with the patient, an opportunity rarely available in their line of work.
On the day of the incident, paramedics and responders Richard Smith, Alex Hasri, Captain Gary Hoffman, Colton Matheny, and Stacy Lakin were dispatched to assist a former public servant and firefighter found in cardiac arrest. The team quickly administered advanced life-saving techniques, including chest compressions, airway management, and the use of a Lucas Device, a mechanical CPR apparatus, which helped restore the patient’s pulse. Through their coordinated efforts, the patient was resuscitated, stabilized, and transported for further medical care. He later recovered fully and attended the award ceremony to reunite with the team that saved his life.
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The award ceremony emphasized the profound impact of first responders on the lives of individuals they serve, often under extreme conditions. Washington County and Meritus Medical Center expressed appreciation for the commitment and skill these responders demonstrate daily.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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