Because of some Oxford firefighters? fast action and skillful handling of an emergency medical situation, a local woman is alive with no long-term damage to her heart.
In recognition of this outstanding work, Fire Chief Pete Scholz, Capt. Kurt Fechter, Lt. Brad Horton and firefighters Blair Lockwood and Neil Belrose were honored last week by the Oakland County Medical Control Board, which is the governing and policy-making body for EMS systems in the county.
‘If my life were in jeopardy, those are the guys I’d want there,? said Dr. Tressa K. Gardner, who sits on the board and specializes in emergency medicine at POH Regional Medical Center.
The incident for which these firefighters were honored occurred April 30. It involved a 60-year-old Orion woman who was having a severe heart attack at an Oxford business.
According to Scholz, when they arrived on the scene, the patient was in a great deal of distress complaining of chest pains and having difficulty breathing.
A typical 4-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) was performed on her and it showed some ‘abnormalities.? Due to the severity of her condition and poor vitals, the decision was made to do a more thorough 12-lead EKG.
‘A 12-lead lets you look at all the different sides of the heart as opposed to just one angle,? Scholz explained.
The test showed she was definitely having an acute heart attack. The EKG results were transmitted via cellular phone directly to Crittenton Hospital in Rochester.
‘I can’t stress enough the importance of the technology they have, their ability to use it and their follow-through,? Gardner said.
Upon receiving the EKG results, Crittenton’s doctors were able to confirm it was indeed a heart attack and have the catheterization lab standing by for immediate action when the ambulance arrived.
‘They did fabulous work,? said Scholz, referring to his crew. ‘Everybody was able to pick it up right away and react to it immediately. There was no delay whatsoever.?
Had the firefighters not gone the extra mile, the chief indicated it’s possible the patient could have spent 30-45 minutes in the Emergency Room while tests were conducted.
‘It definitely saved a lot of time,? Scholz said.
‘Because of their rapid response and identification (of the medical condition), they directed the patient to the appropriate heart center, the closest heart center,? Gardner said. ‘Because of that, she had no long-term damage.?
Gardner said Oxford residents are very fortunate to have such good medics serving them.
‘They’re outstanding, They’re bright. They’re well-educated. They follow the guidelines appropriately to maximize the best patient care. They’re very much needed in the community.?