Shown are the recipients of the Life Saving Awards presented by the Kosciusko Fireman’s Association on the lives saved through the use of the AutoPulse system and members of K21 Foundation that provided the grant for the systems for each fire department. Shown in front , from left, are Tony Meek, Turkey Creek Fire Territory; Kellie Kasse and Holly Swoverland, K21 Foundation; Sandi Witt, Nappanee Fire Department; Tyler Harman, Atwood Fire Department; Bobby Adams, Mentone Fire Department; and Nate Yoder, Nappanee Fire Department.
In back are Bob Ivan, Nappanee Fire Department; Kevin Grindle, Turkey Creek Fire Territory; Andrew Grossnickle, K21 Foundation; Quinn Hunter, Turkey Creek Fire Territory; Janelle Fancil, AutoPulse project coordinator; Lee Gardner, Chris Longenbaugh and Brian Richcreek, Turkey Creek Fire Territory; Chris Fancil, AutoPulse project coordinator; Alex Orn, Nappanee Fire Department; Richard Grossman and Troy Mow, Atwood Fire Department. InkFreeNews photo by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
Staff Writer

NORTH WEBSTER — A group of firefighters/paramedics and responders were recognized with Life Saving Awards during the Kosciusko Fireman’s Association meeting Thursday, May 20. Approximately 100 firefighters and guests attended.

The meeting was hosted by North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Fire Department.

Fire departments throughout the county have been provided with AutoPulse Resuscitation systems, allowing for CPR to be automatically administered “on the go” and in confined spaces. The use of the systems began less than a year ago.

Mentone Firefighter Bobby Adams, far right, is shown with Andrew Grossnickle, Kellie Kaase and Holly Swoverland from K21 Foundation.

Kosciusko County, through the help of K21 Foundation, purchased AutoPulse equipment for each department less than a year ago. Through the training and dedication of emergency responders there has been a 22% success rate. During the association meeting, those who have responded, used the AutoPulse that resulted in saves were recognized with Life Saving Awards presented by the fire association. A framed life saving certificate and 2020 Challenge Coin will be presented to the responders by Zoll, manufacturer of the AutoPulse Resuscitation System, at a later date.

Chris and Janelle Fancil, organizers of getting the program started in the county and who are both paramedics, made the presentations. “It took us a little while to get here. It’s been less than a year since we’ve had the AutoPulse in place,” Janelle Fancil stated. She noted the willingness of K21 Foundation to provide the grant money to purchase the equipment.

“Everybody here, to buy into actually do it, to continually train to hone your skills has allowed people in the community to be walking around alive and be back to where they were before they had a cardiac arrest. It is all because of you guys. It will not work unless you guys continue to train and make those responses in the middle of the night, at work. Individuals have been taken care of when they were a co-worker and because of the AutoPulse they were able to go back to work … we really appreciate taking this up and running with it.”

Chris Fancil noted another county is looking at providing AutoPulse systems to their departments. “We’re proud. The departments who didn’t run medical (calls) now come out.” Additionally, he stated this system has helped the community in so many ways.”

Ron Chaney, a Zoll representative who helped with some of the training, was unable to attend due to a family health matter, sent a letter, which Janel Fancil read. He noted the individual who came up with the idea had a mission to have departments throughout the world achieve out of hospital survival for cardiac patients at 51.1%. Nationwide the survival is at 9%. “It’s because of your dedication and commitment …taken this all in approach to treatment of cardiac arrest with full-time providers, who train weekly …your success demonstrates that we can indeed move the needle in the survival of cardiac arrest.”

Atwood firefighters Richard Grossman, Tyler Harman and Troy Mow, shown on the right are shown with Andrew Grossnickle, Kellie Kaase and Holly Swoverland with K21 Foundation.

Chaney provided a history of the challenge coin, which initially recognized special achievements. “To each of you receiving (the challenge coin) please know, this coin represents the impact that you had in the outcome on a brother or sister in this world. … Continue to train, prepare, adapt and stay committed to this journey. I cannot think of a better journey.”

Lifesaving wards were presented to:

Atwood — Scott Shepherd, Coltin Brumfield, Chris Koldyke, Tyrene Blair, Austin Brumfield, Troy Mow, Richard Grossman and Tyler Harmon.

Mentone — Bobby Adams, Justin Hill, Brady Cooper and Anthony Hill.

Nappanee — Bob Ivin, Jake Beer, John Hutsell, Bill Mitschelen, Nate Yoder, Chris Yoder, Sandi Witt, Steve Stouder, Monte Flowers, Michele Zachary and Alex Orn. Nappanee Police Officers Ethan Taylor and Cody Ong were also noted.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory — Brian Richcreek, Quinn Hunter, Josh Taylor, Chris Longenbaugh, Lee Gardner, Geoffrey Ellingwood, Brandtt Allen, Tony Meek and Kevin Grindle.

During the business portion of the meeting, Jessica Shaw, new Kosciusko County Big Brothers/Big Sisters director, gave a brief presentation and checked with the departments on participation in the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake June 12. Seven teams from the various departments have committed to participate.

Members were also made aware of upcoming trainings, fundraisers were on hold until any mask requirements were lifted, given an update on radio grants, and received an invitation to participate in 1-800-Board Up’s golf outing to raise funds for the burn camp.

The next association meeting will be held at Nappanee Fire Department June 17.