On Friday evening, Jenna and I left our home and anxiously traveled to the Johnson County Ambulance Districts awards ceremony at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. For their extraordinary efforts in the early morning hours on May 12th, the four men--Doug Kenney, George Waddle, Jordan Cameron and Matt Soer--responsible for resuscitating Jenna and restarting her heart would receive the Save Award, and both of us would officially meet them for the first time. As we traveled up the highway, I tried to remember the faces of that night, but I struggled to pinpoint particular characteristics. Then, I looked over at Jenna only to realize my selfishness. Shed never seen them before. She doesnt remember that night. I asked her if she was nervous, and she turned, smiled, and said, I dont think so, but Im excited to meet the men who saved and forever changed the rest of my life. The host for the night and a few wives welcomed us in the building when we arrived, and before we knew it, two men had introduced themselves and we were sharing stories about that evening. Perhaps its easy to get caught up in your own story and sometimes forget the effect it has on others. Jenna and I learned that these men had struggled with the residual memories of that night. I forget that they came face-to-face with a young woman and mother, a panicked and hopeful husband, and two dependent children. We learned that they initially assumed that Jenna had lost her battle after leaving Western Missouri Medical so many months before. Soon, the evening would unfold and we would understand why their assumptions had warrant. In our seats, both of us listened as Shane Lockard, EMS Chief, revealed recipients of numerous awards. Outside of Jennas story, these men and women were heroes in so many other circumstances, and our appreciation for ambulance district employees rose with each fact and note we heard. When it was time for the Save Award, Shane first surprised both of us with an award of our own. With emotion and care, Shane read the notes from May 12th. Jenna and I learned that I had given CPR for nine minutes before arrival, and Doug Kenney, one of the responders, noted his concerns for her survival on his way to the scene. After coming through our front door, those men spent 37 minutes trying to get Jennas heart to beat on its own. Protocol states that life-saving efforts can cease after twenty minutes due to the improbability of the victims revival. Those four men understood the weight of that situation and made a silent pact to continue efforts until their arms went numb. And I, standing in a corner of the room with my crying son in my arms, watched and hoped they could bring Jenna back. Despite the obstacles, Jordan Cameron reached down after 37 minutes, looked at another responder and said, Guys, weve got a pulse! With the remaining miracles already known, Jenna and I walked up to receive our award, and Shane asked Jenna to present her heroes with their beautiful and well-deserved awards. I saw Jennas tears as she hugged each of those men, and I recognized how important this moment was for her and them. They dont get many of these moments with those scenarios, but this moment provided them with physical proof of their jobs impact. The rest of the evening provided all of us the opportunity to share our memories of May 12th and the days and months that followed. Jenna and I certainly met new family as we enjoyed the perfect evening. Thank you to Shane Lockard and the Johnson County Ambulance District for the invitation. Your efforts in our community are often unsung, but know that they have love and admiration in more than just our home.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 03:51:06 +0000
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