Local First Responders Honored For Lifesaving Heroism

ROYERSFORD, PA — Several local first responders were honored this week for their lifesaving heroism during an incident this past summer.

Crews were called to Ridge Road in East Coventry on the morning of June 12 for a call of a cardiac arrest. The victim, Bonnie Bock, was choking, authorities said.

Royersford Fire Department's EMS division, Friendship Ambulance, Ridge Fire Company, and East Coventry Township Police responded to the scene.

East Coventry police officer Mistie Greenwalt and Ridge FIre Company Lieutenant Jack Clark were the first on the scene.

They quickly leapt into action. Greenwalt began chest compressions, while Clark applied an AED.

When EMS crews arrived, Paramedic Lenny Brown, EMT Matt Lex, and Paramedic Matt Wagner used an automated chest compression device, as well as a bag-valve mask to deliver oxygen to Bock. They also intubated her.

Authorities said that about 19 minutes after being dispatched, and 10 minutes after EMS crews arrived, the victim began to breathe on her own.

"Without a doubt this outcome would be vastly different without the quick and effective actions of the police department, fire department, and the EMS team who responded this day," the Royersford Fire Department wrote in their account of the morning.

After spending several days in the intensive care unit, Bock was transferred to Bryn Mawr Rehab. She has since returned home, and is getting stronger by the day, authorities said.

Greenwalt, Clark, Brown, Lex, and Wagner were honored with commendations at the East Coventry Township Board of Supervisors on Monday.

Great work!

Image via Royersford Fire Department