Fort Thomas is honoring a few heroic citizens and first responders for their life-saving efforts during a cardiac arrest at the local YMCA.
On Monday at the Fort Thomas City Council meeting Fire Chief Chris Amon presented commendations alongside a Fort Thomas Fire Department community hero challenge coin to YMCA staff Arielle Dawson, Madison Coons, Covington Firefighter Timothy Petry, Officer Wayne Dutle, Fire Captain Kyle Kaufman, Lieutenant Eric Scherpenberg and firefighter paramedics Glenny Riggs, Josh Edmonson and Cody Krentz, for their teamwork and diligence after a man went into cardiac arrest in the YMCA at 1437 S. Ft. Thomas Ave last month.
“These recognitions are intended, not only to thank those who stepped forward that day, but also remind our community of the tremendous difference ordinary people can make when they’re prepared and willing to act during an emergency,” said Amon.
On Monday, Sept. 21, Fort Thomas Fire Department received a call that there was a male patient not breathing, receiving CPR. Dawson, Coons, Petri and Dutle began resuscitation efforts with CPR and administered two AED shocks.
“Most importantly, this effort began before the fire department arrived,” said Amon. “The willingness of Arielle and Madison to recognize the emergency, apply the AED, deliver life-saving shocks and perform CPR was critical.”
Once emergency responders arrived, care continued with the LUCAS machine and ambulance medical care, so much so that during transport to Christ Hospital, the patient regained consciousness and began talking with emergency responders.
“Thank you to each of these individuals for stepping forward when it mattered,” said Amon
According to Amon, the patient is in recovery with his family at home.
