Commissioners praise EMS crew, deputy after resuscitation of 7‑month‑old

During public business at the Aug. 18 Rockingham County Board of Commissioners meeting, commissioners read a letter thanking local emergency responders for their response to a 7‑month‑old who required CPR. Commissioners identified EMS personnel named in the letter — Daniel Austin, Drew Lucas, Hannah Bullens (also referenced as Hannah Goulchard Bullens in remarks) and Bobby Caton — and said they, together with a deputy who was the initial responder, carried out a rapid, coordinated response.

The board reported that units M2 and M3 responded to the emergency and arrived together; responders gained entry, continued CPR, provided en‑route monitoring and care including ECG and pulse checks, and transported the child to a hospital in Reidsville, where additional care continued and air medical transport was summoned. Commissioners said the child’s pulse was regained en route or shortly after hospital arrival and credited persistence and coordination among EMS, dispatch and hospital staff.

Commissioners took time to publicly thank the responders. Commissioner Kellum read the letter into the record describing the crew’s actions and naming the staff. Commissioner Riggs added that a Rockingham County deputy, Matthew Royles, was the initial responder and said, “a life was saved without a doubt.” Commissioner Barrow and others echoed appreciation for the response and said the event highlighted the professionalism of county emergency services.

The board indicated it plans a formal recognition of the first responders at a future meeting. No formal action or award was recorded at the Aug. 18 meeting; the remarks and letter were entered into the record.