Callaway County EMS recognized Thursday local community members who were instrumental in saving the life of a man after cardiac arrest.
On March 26, Ronald Frala went into cardiac arrest at his home. Callaway County Joint Communications was quickly contacted about the emergency. Operators Chastity Winingear, Holly Spencer and Adriene Falkena dispatched Holts Summit Fire Protection District.
Stephen Brooks, Jacob Jollif, Bradley McLaughlin, Braxton McGinnis and Adam Beredzen were dispatched to the scene.
Nelson Landrum and Andrew Ferguson with the Holts Summit Police Department were dispatched to the scene.
William Swartz, Tim Corbitt, Victor Liuzza and Jason Presley with Callaway County EMS were also dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival to the scene, the fire and police teams applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) to Frala. The AED delivered two shocks before the EMS team arrived, a release states.
The Callaway County EMS team took over patient care at the scene. They administered IO infusion, epinephrine -- a drug that increases blood flow to the heart muscle -- cardiac monitoring, intubation and manual defibrillation.
Frala's heart began to beat on its own again 30 minutes after the cardiac arrest.
While being transported to SSM St. Mary's emergency room, he went into cardiac arrest again.
Callaway County EMS crews administered more defibrillation to Frala.
Frala stayed in Capital Region Hospital before being released, when he returned home to continue his recovery.
"Today, we recognized the exceptional teamwork, skill, and dedication of our local emergency services who stepped up when one of our community members needed them most," a Callaway County EMS release states. "Their actions were not just timely but decisive, reminding us of their vital role in our loves. To all involved in saving Ronald's life, we are forever grateful."