KENT COUNTY, Del. — Kent County EMS recognized 23 sudden cardiac arrest survivors during its fourth annual Survivors Reunion Ceremony on May 20.
The event, held during National EMS Week, honored patients who survived cardiac arrest with strong neurological outcomes, along with the telecommunicators, paramedics, first responders, bystanders and family members who helped save them.
Kent County EMS Chief John Tinger was among the survivors recognized after suffering sudden cardiac arrest while at work in early November.
Kent County EMS Administrative Captain Laura Doyle told EMS1 that Tinger’s recovery resulted from immediate bystander action, rapid response, hospital care and his own determination. His recognition gave the ceremony a personal significance for the agency and underscored the importance of every step in the cardiac arrest chain of survival.
Zoll attended the ceremony and presented Chief John Tinger with the monitor that delivered the lifesaving shocks. Gov. Matt Meyer, First Lady Dr. Lauren Meyer, state Sen. Eric Buckson, EMS medical directors, county leaders, healthcare partners and first responders also attended.
Events like the Survivors Reunion show responders the impact of their work beyond the call itself. The ceremony highlighted the importance of CPR, early defibrillation, coordinated hospital care and quality improvement efforts in helping cardiac arrest patients survive and recover.
