Eighth Ward members were overwhelmed with joy on May 11, 2021, by the presence of Mr. David Davis at our monthly business meeting. Our firefighters and Acadian EMS personnel had treated Mr. Davis two months to the day for a cardiac arrest. Mr. Davis and his sister Ms. Sue Davis agreed to present the Department's "Silver Life Saving Medal" to all of the responders.

On March 11, 2021, Eighth Ward VFD firefighters Grayson Barnett, Tyler Lawrence, Captain David Byers, Laine Taylor, and Chief Ira Brown responded to an individual "passed out" in the Bedico Supermarket.

Upon reaching the patient, the responders quickly realized the patient was in full cardiac arrest which required the initiation of department medical protocols for such an event. The responders started CPR, used the automated external defibrillator (AED), and provided oxygen therapy via a bag-valve mask, along with the use of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and King-tube airway adjuncts. Several shocks of the AED were required but the patient remained in arrest. Acadian Paramedic April Corrales and EMT Casey Clement arrived shortly therafter and initiated medical therapy for the patient. The patient was transported to the Emergency Department for more definitive care. Firefighter Laine Taylor accompanied Paramedic Corrales and provided an "extra set of hands" in the ambulance during transport.

Due to the aggressiveness and fantastic teamwork of Eighth Ward firefighters, Acadian responders, and the hospital emergency room staff and surgeons, the patient has made a full recovery. Mr. Davis allowed us to share this information. It must be added that Mr. Chet Kolwe and his staff at Bedico Supermarket were exceptional in their support during this very hectic and trying time.