Sheriff recognizes staff and volunteers for life-saving response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

The Navajo County Sheriff and Board recognized three individuals for their life-saving efforts after a county resident suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

Sheriff Klaus presented medical-aid awards to Deputy Austin Huddleston, dispatcher Kendall Webster and dispatcher Amber Price for their roles in the April 8 incident. According to the sheriff’s account, Gary Mitchell collapsed at his home; his wife called 911 and dispatchers guided the caller while simultaneously dispatching a deputy and fire/EMS resources. Deputy Huddleston arrived quickly and performed CPR for approximately five to six minutes until paramedics took over; Mitchell was transported to hospital care and survived.

Kendall Webster, who the sheriff said started as a volunteer with the sheriff’s patrol posse and later joined the communications center, "picks up the phone, completely calm," the sheriff said, coordinating a deputy response and transferring the call to the regional dispatch center. Amber Price, a dispatcher with prior experience, provided emergency instructions to the caller, the sheriff said.

"If it's an out of hospital sudden cardiac arrest, the survival rate is 10 percent," Gary Mitchell said at the presentation. "So it's due to these people. Thank you. You guys are the reason I'm here."

The sheriff also recognized dispatch supervisors and Sholop (Show Low) dispatch partners for their coordination. Board members and the sheriff praised the volunteers and staff for teamwork and training that led to a favorable outcome in a high-risk medical emergency. Certificates and awards were presented; no formal board action was required.