| HAGERSTOWN, MD (March 6 2026) – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services (DES), in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Office and Meritus Medical Center, recently recognized several emergency incidents in which coordinated efforts between dispatchers, bystanders, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) clinicians, firefighters, and hospital staff led to patients surviving life-threatening medical emergencies and being discharged from the hospital neurologically intact. The recognition is part of the County’s Cardiac Arrest Save Recognition Program, which highlights the lifesaving work of emergency responders who regularly face the most critical moments in people’s lives. In many cases, EMS clinicians and firefighters provide rapid intervention and transport before immediately responding to the next emergency without ever learning the outcome of the patient they worked so hard to save. To qualify for this recognition, patients must have experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or similarly life-threatening event in which resuscitation efforts resulted in a return of spontaneous circulation and eventual discharge from the hospital with favorable neurological outcomes. According to national data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), only about 8–9 percent of cardiac arrest patients nationwide survive to hospital discharge with good neurological function, making each successful outcome especially significant. |
 Call Takers: Jason Singleton, Jason Kline Bystanders: Pattie Keplinger, Theda Dofflemyer, Shannon Crilly EMS Crew: Paramedic Katie Dixon Fire Department: Chris Amos, Levi Taylor, Wayne Boward, Garth Coe Medic 26, Company 2, and EMS 1812 were dispatched to the Red Men’s Lodge for a report of a cardiac arrest involving a 63-year-old male who had suddenly collapsed and was found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. Off-duty nursing staff from Meritus Medical Center immediately began bystander CPR while another individual called 911. An automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied and a shock was delivered prior to the arrival of emergency crews. Responders continued advanced cardiac life support, administered medications, and performed additional lifesaving interventions, successfully restoring the patient’s pulse before transporting him to Meritus Medical Center. The patient was later transferred to Adventist Health, where he received an implanted defibrillator and was ultimately discharged neurologically intact following his recovery .  ECC Specialists: Mason White, Bill King EMS Crew: Paramedic Kent Rilling, Paramedic Aubrey McKittrick-Troop, Captain Justin Ruppenthal Fire Department: Glenn Fuscsick, Jason Eckstine, Adam Shaffer Medic 752, Engine 2, and Duty Officer 75 responded to a residence for a reported cardiac arrest after the patient’s husband ran outside requesting help and asking bystanders to call 911. Upon arrival, crews found the patient unresponsive and immediately began CPR and advanced airway management. Cardiac monitoring confirmed the patient was in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest.Responders delivered multiple defibrillations, administered lifesaving medications, and continued advanced cardiac life support until the patient regained pulses. The patient was transported to Meritus Medical Center and later discharged from the hospital neurologically intact with no lasting deficits.  ECC Specialists: Maggie Keller, Warren Royce EMS Crew: Paramedic Sarah Milburn, Paramedic Baileigh Phelps, Captain Justin Ruppenthal Fire Department: Scott Ricker, John Murray, Brian Snyder Engine 4, Medic 753, and Duty Officer 75 responded to a reported cardiac arrest and arrived to find the patient unresponsive and without a pulse. Fire personnel immediately began CPR while EMS crews initiated advanced cardiac life support. Cardiac monitoring confirmed the patient was in ventricular fibrillation. Crews delivered defibrillation and quickly restored the patient’s pulse, with the patient demonstrating positive neurological response shortly afterward.To ensure continued oxygenation and airway protection, Captain Ruppenthal performed a delayed sequence intubation before the patient was transported to Meritus Medical Center. The patient later received an implanted defibrillator and was discharged neurologically intact .  ECC Specialist: Bethani Mummert EMS Crew: EMT Isaiah Neal, EMT Mollie Barnhart, Paramedic Isaiah HahnCaptain Casey McKnight Fire Department: Ben Hoopengardner, Pat McTigue Medic 591 responded to a residence for reports of chest pain and arrived to find the patient experiencing severe chest discomfort, sweating, and shortness of breath. Crews performed a full assessment including vital signs, cardiac monitoring, and an EKG, identifying signs of an antero-septal myocardial infarction. The patient was immediately provided advanced cardiac care and transport was initiated to Meritus Medical Center with a STEMI alert activating the cardiac catheterization team.During transport the patient deteriorated and went into ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. Crews rapidly delivered defibrillation and additional lifesaving interventions, restoring pulses. The patient later received four cardiac stents and was discharged from the hospital neurologically intact .  ECC Specialists: Ethan Grim, Tara Carbaugh EMS Crew: EMT Seth Granville, Paramedic Kevin Demmons, Captain Joanna Bingaman Fire Department: Justin Malott, Mark Sanders, Dylan Esler Medic 755, Engine 4, and Duty Officer 75 responded to reports of a male experiencing severe breathing difficulty related to a history of asthma. Upon arrival, crews found the patient in critical condition and soon after he became unresponsive. Responders initiated advanced life support, provided assisted ventilation, and administered medications including epinephrine, bronchodilators, and steroids. As the patient’s condition worsened and progressed to cardiac arrest, CPR was started and additional lifesaving interventions were performed. Pulses were restored and the patient received continued care during transport. He was later treated for acute respiratory failure and discharged from the hospital neurologically intact.  ECC Specialist: Bill King EMS Crew: EMT Alexis Hobble, Paramedic Alyson Keyser, Captain Joanna Bingaman Fire Department: Tyler Rotelle, Zachary Schmidt, Tony Delosier, Adam Hose Medic 751, Engine 3, Engine 1, and Duty Officer 75 responded to a report of an adult male in cardiac arrest. Fire personnel arrived first and confirmed the patient was not breathing and without a pulse, immediately beginning CPR and ventilation. An automated external defibrillator was applied and a shock was delivered prior to the arrival of EMS crews, successfully restoring the patient’s pulse. Responders continued advanced post-cardiac arrest care, including airway management, medication administration, and cardiac monitoring before transporting the patient to Meritus Medical Center. The patient later recovered and was discharged with no neurological deficit.  ECC Specialists: Courtney Weaver, Bill King EMS Crew: EMT Bradley Taylor, Paramedic James Grissom, Paramedic Priscilla Morgan, Paramedic Skyler Brashears-Danner, Paramedic Jeremy Ardinger, Medic Deanna Adkins, Captain Justin Ruppenthal Fire Department: Anthony Veney, Patrick Howard, Russell Grim Emergency crews responded to a pediatric drowning incident at Greenbrier State Park after a child was pulled from the water by lifeguards. Lifeguards immediately initiated CPR while additional responders arrived to continue resuscitation efforts and provide advanced medical care. Through coordinated lifesaving efforts, the child regained pulses and was transported for further treatment. The patient later recovered and was discharged from the hospital.  ECC Specialists: Todd Nesbitt, Andrew Wood, Bill Haines EMS Crew: EMT Cody Boward, EMT Taylor Moschel, Paramedic Haley Theilgaard, Captain Michael Hayter Fire Department: Scott Beckley, Melanie Beckley, Robert Gordon, Conner Greenlee Medic 28, Company 12, and EMS 1812 were dispatched for a report of a male in cardiac arrest after the patient became unresponsive while eating with family. Following guidance from 911 specialists, family members moved the patient from a recliner and began CPR prior to the arrival of emergency crews.Fire personnel applied an AED and delivered a shock before EMS arrived to provide advanced cardiac life support. The patient briefly re-entered cardiac arrest and required additional defibrillation before regaining consciousness and neurological function. He later received an implanted cardiac defibrillator and was discharged without neurological deficit.  ECC Specialists: Randilyn Tenney, Jo Miller, Warren Royce EMS Crew: EMT Patrick Howard, EMT Melonie Doyle, Paramedic Erin Keefer, Captain Michael HayterF ire Department: Conner Greenlee Medic 692, Company 12, and EMS 1812 responded to a local correctional facility for a report of a male in cardiac arrest. Facility staff immediately began CPR and applied an AED, delivering two shocks before emergency responders arrived. EMS crews continued advanced post-cardiac arrest care including airway management, cardiac monitoring, and intravenous access while activating a STEMI alert with Meritus Medical Center. The patient was transported for advanced cardiac treatment, where he later received a cardiac stent and additional lifesaving interventions.  ECC Specialists: Joey Chojnacki, Bill King EMS Crew: Paramedic Caleb Nancarvis, EMT Bradley Lohr, Paramedic Zachary Culler, Captain Joanna Bingaman Fire Department: Daniel Myers, Russell Gutshall Medic 752, Engine 3, and Duty Officer 75 responded to the Diagnostic Imaging Center for a patient who had gone into cardiac arrest during a CT scan. Medical staff were already performing CPR and had administered epinephrine prior to the arrival of responders. EMS and fire crews continued resuscitation efforts, establishing advanced access for medication delivery and identifying a pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest. After continued resuscitation efforts, pulses were restored and the patient received advanced airway management and critical care during transport. The patient was later transferred for coronary artery bypass surgery and ultimately discharged neurologically intact.  ECC Specialists: Andrew Wood, Todd Nesbitt, Alea Mull EMS Crew: EMT Hannah Hoffman, Paramedic Charles Johnson, Reese Mellott Fire Department: Jamie Drawbaugh, Brian Jefferson Medic 269 responded to Martin’s Food Market for a patient experiencing chest pain. Upon arrival, crews found the patient conscious but in distress with signs of a cardiac event. Responders quickly performed a cardiac evaluation and EKG, identifying a myocardial infarction and activating a STEMI alert while initiating transport to Meritus Medical Center. During transport the patient deteriorated into ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. Crews immediately initiated CPR and delivered defibrillation, restoring a stable rhythm. The patient later received multiple cardiac stents and was discharged neurologically intact.  ECC Specialists: Joe Arch, Caitlin Gaudin EMS Crew: EMT Taylor Moschel, Paramedic Jeremy Mackrell, Captain Casey McKnight Fire Department: Wesley Shipley, Wilfredo Vazquez, Colin Jacobs, Samuel Demochowski, Conner Bratburg, Tyler Staley Units M29, Co2, and EMS1811 responded to a residence for a reported cardiac arrest. Communication specialists confirmed the patient was pulseless and initiated bystander CPR instructions over the phone prior to crews arriving on scene. Upon arrival, responders gained access to the residence and found the patient in ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest with CPR already in progress. Crews initiated advanced cardiac life support, delivering two defibrillations and successfully restoring pulses. After regaining circulation, the patient required advanced airway management and was intubated before being placed on a portable ventilator for transport to Meritus Medical Center. The patient was later diagnosed with a myocardial infarction, received multiple cardiac stents, and was ultimately discharged home neurologically intact.  ECC Specialist: Davita Foltz, Joey Chojnacki, Bill King EMS Crew: EMT Haileigh Taylor, EMT Timothy Necessary, Paramedic James Grove, Captain Joanna Bingaman Fire: Justin Malott, Richard Bolinsky Medic 754, Engine 4, and Duty Officer 75 were dispatched to a residence for a reported unconscious person. The patient’s wife stated that her husband had been experiencing an earache and collapsed while walking in their hallway. She reported that he was unresponsive, changing color, and could not be lifted. Upon arrival, responders found the patient conscious but lethargic, pale, and diaphoretic. Clinicians performed a full evaluation, including hemodynamic monitoring, and prepared the patient for transport to the emergency department for further assessment. While securing the patient for transport, his condition deteriorated; he became unresponsive with inadequate respirations and subsequently lost pulses, entering cardiac arrest. Crews immediately initiated CPR and mechanical ventilation. Advanced Cardiac Life Support was performed, and within several minutes, the patient regained spontaneous circulation. Post–cardiac arrest interventions stabilized his condition and improved his mental status. The patient was transported to Meritus Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and received appropriate treatment. He was ultimately discharged home neurologically intact. |
| For more information about the Life Savers Award and the life-saving work of our EMS teams, please contact the Washington County’s Public Relations & Marketing Department at [email protected]. |
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