Three EMS crew recommended for life‑saving award after patient resuscitated during transport

A department official recommended a life‑saving award for Captain Austin Van Wyke, Paramedic David McCurdy and EMT Jadrick King after the three emergency medical personnel resuscitated a patient who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while en route to the hospital on March 1, 2026.

According to the department notice read in the transcript, the crew rapidly recognized the patient’s deterioration, initiated advanced life‑saving measures without delay and, through coordinated efforts and clinical skill, achieved a successful resuscitation that resulted in the patient’s survival. The fire chief received a letter from the patient on March 30, 2026, expressing gratitude and crediting the crew’s swift actions.

The transcript includes the patient’s own remarks. The patient, who said they had been a first responder for more than 30 years and was now “on the other side,” praised the crew directly: “you’re very fortunate to have these people here, because it might be you next time gonna need their help. God bless them all.” The department reading the recommendation described the crew’s actions as exemplifying “the highest standards of the emergency medical services profession” and stated, “For their outstanding performance and life savings actions, it is with great pride that I recommend them for the life saving award.”

The transcript records the recommendation but does not record a formal award decision, vote or the name of the fire chief who received the patient’s letter. Next steps or timelines for the award process were not specified in the transcript.