HAGERSTOWN, MD (October 30, 2024) – This morning, the Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES) proudly presented the Life Savers Award to Clear Spring EMS and Division of Emergency Services (DES) team members for their remarkable achievement in saving a young life during an exceptionally rare out-of-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest.
In the early morning hours of June 3, 2024, Clear Spring EMS responded to an urgent call involving a two-month-old infant in respiratory distress. Upon arrival, Paramedic Chuck Smith, EMT Peter Mitchell, and off-duty Captain Melanie Higgins found that the infant had tragically gone into cardiac arrest. Reinforcements, including EMS Supervisor Captain Casey McKnight, were immediately called to assist with this critical emergency. With rapid, coordinated actions, the team initiated advanced life-saving interventions, including CPR, airway management, and cardiac defibrillation.
The infant had experienced a ventricular fibrillation arrest due to an undiagnosed cardiac abnormality, a condition with a survival rate of less than 2% nationwide. Despite these overwhelming odds, the combined Clear Spring EMS and DES team administered intensive pre-hospital care, including medication and additional electrical therapy while en route to Meritus Medical Center. The infant was further stabilized before being transferred to a pediatric specialty center. Miraculously, the infant made a full recovery and was discharged without neurological deficits.
This award honors the courage and dedication of first responders who answered a call against impossible odds, ultimately saving a young life. It is also a reminder of the crucial importance of CPR training and emergency readiness in our community.
The Division of Emergency Services encourages all community members to learn CPR. This life-saving skill is invaluable and can make all the difference in critical moments.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations & Marketing Department at [email protected].
###
