The Amazing Save Award Goes To...

"Alice got on the phone and called the ambulance," said Steven Whitney, husband of the patient who was saved by a team of West Jordan first responders.

Steven's wife had a migraine earlier that day. She couldn't keep her medication down and was feeling very ill.

Whitney was walking the family dogs when his wife fell unconscious and his 11-year-old daughter, Alice, called him to come home. He ran back as fast as he could to start CPR, and the ambulance was already on its way.

When first responders arrived, they used a cardiac monitor to help keep her stable until she was taken to the hospital. She eventually had a stroke, but has since made a full recovery. It was thanks to her daughter's quick call to 911, her husband's CPR, and the first responders' tools and knowledge that blood and oxygen kept flowing through her brain and heart until she could be treated at the hospital.

"Firefighters… they're the first people that see a patient and get a patient stabilized to see a doctor," Whitney said. "And so I really want to say thank you to the firefighters. They're unbelievable. You guys saved my wife's life. Thank you very much."

West Jordan Fire Department Chief Maxfield presented those first responders with the Amazing Save Award for responding to the patient and saving her life. He said, "This is an opportunity to recognize the power of teamwork, quick action, and dedication, and to honor those who go above and beyond when it matters most."

The Award Winners

West Jordan Fire Department

• Brad Jensen - Paramedic
• Kristen Rolfe - Paramedic
• Mike Moon - Captain
• Skip Taylor - Engineer
• Cody Hales - Firefighter
• Porter Scott - Firefighter
• Jessie McKenna - Battalion Chief

West Jordan Police Department

• Carson Winward - Officer
• Griffin Winward - Officer
• Aaron Curtis - Sergeant

Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communication Center

• Upuia Tugaga

A key part of the rescue was a new cardiac monitor that can do everything from reading basic health signs, catching heart problems, to restarting a heart in patients of all ages, from premature babies to seniors. The monitors are made by Zoll Technologies and are brand-new technology.

"This is the first documented save with the new cardiac monitors in any city here in the valley," said Taylor Jones, Zoll representative.. He also presented the group with an award certificate and "Zoldier" coin.

Holy Cross Hospital-Jordan Valley, the hospital that treated the patient, presented the group with a plaque to honor their "outstanding training and teamwork," said EMS liaison Jay Larsen. "Their life-saving care began in the field before the patient was transferred. Our community is safer and stronger because of their clinical expertise, dedication, and genuine passion for serving others."

The final and most significant award was presented to Alice Whitney. Fire Chief Maxfield awarded her the Amazing Star Award.

Maxfield, his voice breaking with emotion as he spoke, said, "Alice, when your mom needed help most, you stepped up in a way that was truly remarkable. Because you acted quickly, you helped give your mom one of the most precious gifts imaginable: More time together.

"At just 11 years old, you reminded us all that heroes come in every age and that one courageous decision can make a life-changing difference.

"Today, we honor you not only for what you did, but for the courage, love, and presence of mind you showed when it mattered most. You are a true hero and your bravery will never be forgotten."

Maxfield ended the ceremony with his gratitude to the City Council. Eight new cardiac monitors joined the team this year, one for each truck or ambulance. "Thank you to the council for appropriating the funding for the tools we need for situations like this."

Thank you and congratulations to our first responders for their life-saving efforts that day and every day!

And a special thank you to Alice Whitney for her bravery and for saving her mother's life!

By Erin Dixon