White Rock Medical Center recently honored two paramedics from the Garland Fire Department whose care and immediate action saved a patient’s life. Mark Brenton celebrated his 60th birthday last week because of these very special people.
In May, Mark and his wife Bonnie were at home when he collapsed, suffering a heart attack. Bonnie called 911 and with the dispatcher’s coaching began chest compressions while help was enroute. EMT-Paramedic Christopher Hernandez and EMT-Paramedic Tyler Zschiesche from the Garland Fire Department arrived shortly after receiving the call. Once on the scene, they began care in the home and continued to provide care on the way to White Rock Medical Center’s emergency room.
Their actions would ultimately prove to save Mark’s life, according to medical staff at White Rock Medical Center. For their service, immediate actions and lifesaving role in the care of Brenton, White Rock Medical Center honored both paramedics with the Life Saver Award. Joining the celebration were Mark, Bonnie and their family.
“When we have extraordinary care happen, we bestow the Life Saver Award to recognize the individuals responsible. Mark is able to walk, talk and celebrate his birthday with friends and family because of these paramedics’ skilled care and fast response,” said Crystal Conwell, RN, EMS liaison at White Rock Medical Center.
“Even after he was in our ER, these gentlemen stayed with him as long as they could to make sure he was OK and support his wife,” she added.
“I’m so thankful. I thank you for allowing me to have my 60th birthday,” Mark told the paramedics during the ceremony.
Bonnie was also honored with a special Life Saver Award for her role in his care, providing CPR until the paramedics arrived.
“Chest compressions are THE most important way to save a life until you can get help. Without Bonnie’s intervention, he may not have been sitting here today,” said Conwell.
If more people learn CPR, more lives will be saved, according to the American Heart Association. The hands-only CPR method only requires two basic steps – call 911 and push hard and fast. To learn how and to watch instructional videos, visit cpr.heart.org or www.facebook.com/AmericanHeart.
Brenton’s care team included the paramedics as well as many departments at White Rock Medical Center, including emergency care, cath lab, surgery and rehab, until ultimately going home to continue his recovery.
“The care that Mark received was A-plus from beginning to discharge. We’re thankful for the paramedics, the hospital team, Dr. Peter Frenkel, the ER team. Within 45 minutes of the time we arrived, he was in surgery. Thank you all for your service and quick response,” said Bonnie.
About White Rock Medical Center
White Rock Medical Center is a 200-bed acute care hospital that serves the East Dallas community. White Rock Medical Center is known for expert medical services that include bariatrics, cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health and emergency care. The hospital offers a range of recovery and wellness programs that include physical therapy and cardiac rehab, women’s imaging and more. For more information about our expertise and care, including bariatrics, visit www.whiterockmedicalcenter.com.