REACT and AFD Receive Lifesaving Awards

At the January 28 Council Meeting, Fire Chief David Jones presented Exemplary Action Awards to members of Addison-based REACT for their response to an emergency situation that occurred on December 20, 2019. When a REACT client suffered a life-threatening cardiac event, Ryan Bachik, Aaron Akeman, Emma Repass, Crystal Moses, and Jose Martinez sprung into action. They called 911, attached an AED to administer a shock, and performed CPR until the Addison Fire Department (AFD) responded.

Lieutenant Keith Davis, Fire Equipment Operator JJ Kaiser, Firefighter/Paramedic Cliff Shepard, Firefighter/Paramedic Deb Schwartz and Paramedic Peter Molitor took over quickly when they arrived, continuing CPR and beginning Advanced Life Support treatment. The patient improved during transport and was talking to crew members at the hospital. Chief Jones presented these dedicated AFD members with the department's life saving "Phoenix Award."

Doctors credit the patient's survival to the quick response of the REACT team and AFD's continued efforts. Much improved and feeling better, the patient was able to attend the January 28 meeting and personally thank all those involved in his lifesaving efforts.