In a recent government meeting, Lehi officials celebrated the exceptional performance of local emergency services during a heartfelt awards presentation. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Lehi Fire Department and Police Department in responding to critical medical emergencies, particularly focusing on their impressive return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates.
The meeting commenced with a presentation of the Heartsaver Award, recognizing the outstanding medical response capabilities of the fire department. Chief Craft emphasized the importance of ROSC, which measures the success of resuscitation efforts in cardiac arrest cases. While the national average for ROSC stands at approximately 7.5%, Lehi's rate is nearly three times higher, at just under 27%. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of the city's emergency response teams.
Chief Craft noted the vital role of bystanders and police officers in initiating CPR before emergency services arrive, which significantly improves patient outcomes. He expressed pride in the seamless cooperation between the fire and police departments, stating, \"I don't know of any other city where fire and PD work so well together out in the field.\"
During the meeting, three specific medical calls were reviewed, showcasing the successful interventions that allowed patients to leave the hospital alive. The first incident involved a 70-year-old man who collapsed at a local training center. Quick action from Engine 81 and Lehi police officers, who provided chest compressions, led to the patient's recovery after multiple defibrillations.
The second case involved another 70-year-old man found unresponsive at home. Lehi police initiated CPR, and with the arrival of the fire department, the patient was successfully resuscitated after several defibrillation attempts.
The meeting concluded with the recognition of the first responders involved in these life-saving efforts, reinforcing the community's appreciation for their dedication and teamwork. The event served not only to honor individual contributions but also to highlight the importance of collaboration in emergency medical services, ultimately saving lives in the Lehi community.