Cherokee Firefighters Honored For Life-Saving Events

ACWORTH, GA — Cherokee County firefighters were recognized last month for two different life-saving events, and were honored by the patients themselves during an event at Fire Station 19.

Cherokee County firefighters Jordan Allred, Reece Young and Mathew Hutcherson were presented with EMS Awards from Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services along with Cobb County firefighters James Watson and Demetrius Carlyle.

On Nov. 23, 2021, Cobb County Engine 11 was covering for Cherokee County Fire Station No. 19 so personnel could attend the funeral of Justin and Amber Hicks.

Engine 11 and Cherokee County squad 19 were dispatched to the scene of a cardiac arrest later that day.

“They arrived to find a patient in cardiac arrest and went to work," EMS Chief Nate Sullivan said in a news release. "These crews that had never worked together before performed flawlessly. Their efforts resulted in the patient regaining his pulse and actually speaking to the crew before arrival at the hospital. After the call, the Cobb County firefighters realized that the patient was a retired member of Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services.”

The patient was able to walk out of the hospital a week later and shake the hands of his rescuers.

“Our firefighters do spectacular work every day but this event was more special and challenging than most," Sullivan said. "The opportunity to meet a cardiac arrest patient that was rescued is a once in a career event. I’m grateful that the patient was able to make it to the recognition ceremony, shake the hands of his rescuers, and share his story."

A few days later, Engine 19 and Squad 19 responded to another cardiac emergency. The engine arrived a few minutes before the squad and the crew of the engine began their assessment and recognized the extent of the patient’s emergency and the time sensitive nature. The crew began treatment and used their cardiac monitor to perform an EKG and transmit the EKG to the hospital while at the patient’s side in his home.

Squad 19 arrived and treated and transported the patient later to the hospital. Because of the advanced notice of the nature of the illness, the patient was able to bypass the emergency room and go directly to the cardiac catheterization lab. The patient spent weeks in the ICU undergoing some of the most advanced cardiac procedures in the state.

“This event was a perfect example of the entire system working together flawlessly," Sullivan said. "This event highlights the importance of citizens calling 911 if they suspect a cardiac emergency. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services has well trained paramedics and EMTs on every apparatus with the equipment, medications, and knowledge to make the difference between life and death.”