Collaboration of Calif. EMS Partners Results in Cardiac Arrest Survivor Celebrating 20th Birthday

Although he cannot remember the details, it is unlikely that Terence Leonard will ever forget May 30, 2016, and the days that followed, for the rest of his life.

It was Memorial Day, and Leonard and his friends had picked up their usual game of basketball at a neighborhood park, because as he stated, “It’s our thing!”

After taking a break to take a drink of water, Leonard collapsed to the ground—the young 19-year-old’s body was claimed by sudden cardiac arrest. His friend recognized the medical emergency and called 9-1-1 at 12:44p.m., where dispatchers Zach Regan and Beth Garcia started the EMD process, determined the location information, and started a response by Kern County Fire Engine 41 and Hall Ambulance Paramedic Unit 405.

With EMS on its way, the dispatchers coached Terence’s friend through performing CPR, which he continued until the first responders arrived.

Engine 41 with Captain Julio Montero, engineer Jamie Dowell and firefighter Todd Baca, along with the Hall Ambulance crew consisting of paramedic Josh Edwards and EMT Brook Carmona arrived at the scene at 12:50p.m. Responders were blocked from making contact by a blocked gate. Captain Montero and Firefighter Baca climbed over the fence to make access to Leonard’s lifeless body.

Upon contact, they took over CPR and deployed their automated external defibrillator, delivering multiple shocks.

The engine and ambulance were directed to another gate that allowed access to the patient. Paramedic Edwards and EMT Carmona made contact with the firefighters who were continuing pushing hard and fast on Leonard’s chest. The paramedic completed his assessment, and began advanced life support efforts, including intubation, inserting an IV and administering medications per ACLS protocols.

The patient was loaded in the ambulance and CPR and ALS measures were continued during transport to Kern Medical. Just after arriving at the ambulance entrance to the hospital, Paramedic Edwards defibrillated a fourth time, which resulted in a heart rhythm change from Vfib to a normal sinus rhythm and a return of pulses.

Leonard was hospitalized and fitted with an internal defibrillator in the event that it should happen again. 

Just one week later, he was recuperating at home, and on June 7, he celebrated his 20th birthday with family and friends.

The young man’s positive outcome has been attributed to the critical components of Kern County’s robust emergency medical services system, including emergency medical dispatchers, EMT/firefighters and ambulance paramedics, who come together every time someone falls victim to sudden illness or injury. 

Another celebration was held on June 16, at the Hall Ambulance Community Center, located in downtown Bakersfield. Terence was reunited with all of the EMS responders who came to his rescue. The room was filled with smiles, watery eyes and laughter, knowing this young man was alive with his future ahead of him.

Hall Ambulance Founder and President Harvey L. Hall highlighted the events of that day, before recognizing the dispatchers and firefighters with his Company’s Public Safety Partner Award in appreciation for their contributions and collaborative efforts.

Hall then offered recognition to Paramedic Edwards and EMT Carmona by presenting them with the Hall Ambulance Star of Life Award for demonstrated excellence in patient care.

After the celebration was completed, the paramedic, EMT, dispatchers and firefighters quietly departed and returned to their dispatch console, fire station and paramedic ambulance, ready to respond to the next request from someone in need of medical aid.