First responders recognized for life-saving work
Nov. 1—The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners recently recognized first responders for their lifesaving response during two separate emergency calls.
On July 31, a Caldwell County Emergency Services crew and firefighters with the Lenoir Fire Department performed CPR and defibrillated a patient multiple times out of a deadly heart rhythm.
Their efforts helped save the life of Virginia Hoyle, who was able to recently attend a Caldwell County Board of Commissioners meeting that included the recognition of first responders who received a Life Saver Award for their work.
Life Saver Award recipients were Capt. Matthew Shook, paramedic Kloie Bryant, EMT Gary Whisnant, and community paramedic Tara Swanson with Caldwell County Emergency Medical Services.
The 911 dispatcher was Chuck Austin. The Lenoir firefighters were Michael Clark, Charlie Philyaw, and Cody Cox.
In a separate incident, a Caldwell County EMS personnel and firefighters with the Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a traumatic injury call and found a patient 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.
First responders recognized for their excellent patient care included Lt. Christopher Morrissey, paramedic Amber Outlaw, and paramedic Ethan Miller. The 911 dispatchers were Bailey Quick and Amanda Duty. From the Grace Chapel Volunteer Fire Department were Grant Newton, Tanner Shelton, Tyson Maynard, Kaleb Kerley, Jackie Kerley, and Zac Bumgarner.
UNC Health Blue Ridge was also recognized for their partnership with EMS, which allows EMS personnel to provide blood to patients in emergency situations.
