Two Marion County Fire Rescue paramedics were recently awarded a Cardiac Arrest Save Medal after their actions helped saved an elderly patient’s life at a local Walmart.
On Friday, July 30, 2021, firefighters/paramedics Fred Bowers and Nicholas Laib were dispatched to the Walmart located on State Road 200 in Ocala in reference to an 80-year-old man who had passed out.
Upon arrival, the patient complained of dizziness, tensed up, and became unresponsive. The patient was placed on a cardiac monitor which detected no active pulse.
Bowers and Laib requested an ambulance, started CPR, and obtained intraosseous access. According to MCFR, the quick actions and interventions enabled the team to achieve the spontaneous return of circulation.
The patient’s heart continued to go in and out of dangerous cardiac rhythms which required cardioversion.
The patient was able to make a full recovery and later walked out of the hospital.
In a social media posting, Marion County Fire Rescue stated, “The distinctive accomplishments of firefighter/paramedic Bowers and firefighter/paramedic Laib reflect great credit upon themselves, Marion County Fire Rescue, and Fire Rescue services nationwide.”