To the Rescue: Rockwall firefighters honored for lifesaving efforts

ROCKWALL, TX (June 7, 2022) During a recent Rockwall City Council meeting, several members of the Rockwall Fire Department were presented with Lifesaving Awards for their extraordinary actions that directly contributed to saving a life.

From left: Driver Engineer Adam Honea, Firefighter Michael Sauder, and Firefighter Tyler Baumgartner. Not pictured: Captain Michael Caffey.

On March 29, 2022 at 5:33 p.m., the Rockwall Fire Department responded to a reported unconscious person at 219 Blanche Drive. While en route, Dispatch notified the crew that a person was working with electrical equipment under his house and appeared to have been electrocuted. Upon arrival, crew members found a male patient pulseless and not breathing. He was quickly extricated from under the house, and CPR was initiated. The crew quickly assembled the needed medical equipment for treatment and continued performing CPR. After multiple rounds of CPR, including two shocks from the AED, the patient began spontaneous respirations and developed a palpable pulse. Patient care was then transferred to the responding ambulance crew from Rockwall County EMS, and prior to departing for the hospital the patient was awake and alert with good vital signs.

The rapid, coordinated actions of the crew from Ladder 02 “A” shift, including the use of the AED, played a direct role in the survival of the patient.

Firefighters Michael Sauder (left) and Tyler Baumgartner. Not pictured: Captain Michael Caffey.

On February 6, 2022 at 2:24 p.m., the Rockwall Fire Department responded to a reported breathing difficulty at 2083 Summer Lee Drive. While en route, Dispatch notified the crew that the patient had become unconscious and CPR was in progress. Upon arrival the crew took over resuscitation efforts from a bystander who had started CPR on a 60 year-old male patient. Upon arrival of Rockwall County EMS, the patient was moved to the ambulance where it was noted that he had developed an accelerated heart rhythm and weak blood pressure. The patient was transported to a cardiac center where he underwent further treatment and was released from the hospital approximately two weeks later.

The resuscitative efforts demonstrated by the crew of Engine 2 “A” shift were key to the patient’s survival and played a direct role in saving his life. The level of professionalism demonstrated by all involved is to be commended.

Captain Todd Rowan. Not pictured: Firefighter Abel Austin.

On November 17, 2021 at 7:25 p.m., the Rockwall Fire Department responded to a reported choking incident at 614 Arcadia Way. Upon arrival members from EN03 “A” shift found a 19-year-old male patient that was choking on some food that he had attempted to swallow and was unable to breathe. Captain Rowan attempted to dislodge the food by performing the Heimlich maneuver while Firefighter Austin assisted in holding up the patient and attempted to sweep the item from the patient’s mouth with his fingers. Despite their best efforts the food could not be removed; however, with each Heimlich maneuver the patient was able to inhale and exhale a small amount of air. Upon the arrival of a unit from Rockwall County EMS a member of the ambulance crew was able to utilize additional tools to visualize and remove what turned out to be a portion of a corn cob.

The repeated performance of the Heimlich maneuver allowed the patient to open his airway enough to take small breaths and played a direct role in the survival of the patient.

Courtesy photos: Rockwall Fire Department.