VIENNA — The good work that led to saving a life recently was recognized by the Maries-Osage Ambulance District (MOAD) Board members and by the maker of the AED they used.

At the MOAD Board’s meeting in June, Jason Fenton of O’Fallon, a representative of Zoll, the worldwide company that makes the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), was at the meeting to compliment the staff for their good work and to present the three men who worked that particular run with a medal. 

MOAD Administrator Brian Opoka had contacted Fenton about the ambulance response on April 20, 2019 when the life of a 66-year-old patient was saved. He was in cardiac arrest and the crew was successful in its resuscitation efforts. Opoka told Fenton the crew had a great response and he thought they should be recognized. They saved a life. 

Fenton said the AED is an important product in the EMS world. Improvements have been made in the products and in the training. He said EMS first responders need to be recognized for the great call, but they are not the type to raise their hands and ask for it. Fenton said a cardiac arrest call is hard as over the past 15 years there have been very minimal improvements in resuscitation; but things are getting better with training and public awareness. 

Zoll celebrates along with its customers when lives are saved. The company also honored the first responders with the clinical save award that celebrates EMS excellence. The award was given to MOAD crew members Ethan Foster, Daniel Rauzi and Mason Smith. They also were given a Challenge Coin, which has to be earned. They can now be called Zolliders in the fight to save lives. Fenton commented that he could “not do what you guys do” but he is “an armchair quarterback.” Their successful resuscitation of the patient makes a big impact on their community and the state. He complimented their really outstanding job. 

MOAD Board President Don Lanning also gave the three crew members a certificate on behalf of the board members who appreciate them and the work they do for the district. They received a round of applause.