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County, FirstHealth honor responders after child’s May cardiac arrest
Summary
Montgomery County and FirstHealth recognized law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel for a May 31 response that stabilized a child, identified in the meeting as Elle Hanna, who was flown to Chapel Hill for advanced care.
Montgomery County and FirstHealth officials presented a Lifesaver Award at the county's July board meeting to recognize the multi‑agency response to a May 31 medical emergency in which a child, identified in the meeting as Elle Hanna, suffered a seizure and subsequent cardiac arrest.
Buddy Williams of FirstHealth EMS recounted that dispatch directed responders to a Biscoe exit and that Biscoe Police and Biscoe Fire Department personnel arrived quickly. Williams credited the rapid, coordinated response with stabilizing the child until medical transport arrived. "This officer Kraus here pretty much saved his saved his life because this is his life right here," Williams said, referring to the officer who provided immediate care.
Nathan Miller, an emergency physician and the medical director for the county EMS system and FirstHealth EMS, described the clinical urgency of pediatric cardiac arrest and the importance of quick intervention. "In cardiac arrest, the chances of survival go down something like 7 to 10 percent per minute that they're in cardiac arrest," Miller said, emphasizing the role of timely bystander and first‑responder actions.
Officials said the response involved Biscoe police, the county sheriff's office, off‑duty Wilmington police officers who assisted at the scene, Biscoe Fire Department, FirstHealth EMS crews, Carolina Air Care, and telecommunicators who triaged the original 911 call. The child was flown to Chapel Hill for higher‑level care.
Seth Hanna, identified as the child's father, attended the presentation. Board members commended the responders and thanked the community volunteers who assisted. The Lifesaver Award was a ceremonial recognition; no formal board vote was required.
