NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. — New Castle County paramedics reunited with cardiac arrest patients they helped save during a survivors’ reunion.
Corporal Travis Tome and Paramedic First Class Michael Connell were transporting pastor Tom Euston to the hospital when his condition worsened, WDEL reported. The paramedics used a defibrillator to restore his heart rhythm before he underwent surgery.
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Euston met Tome and Connell during the 14th annual New Castle County EMS Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor Reunion.
The county honored 52 paramedics, 186 first responders, eight communications personnel, 16 police officers and 20 civilians for their roles in 32 lifesaving incidents.
New Castle County reported 709 medical cardiac arrests in 2025, with an 11.5% survival rate, which officials said was above the national average. Officials said civilians can be critical in cardiac arrest cases by starting care before paramedics arrive.
Tome, a paramedic for 17 years, said he entered the profession after participating in a ride-along while considering medical school. He ultimately chose EMS because of the opportunity to provide care directly to patients during emergencies and make an immediate impact in the community.
Tome encouraged people trained in CPR to download the PulsePoint app, which alerts users to nearby cardiac arrest emergencies where help may be needed before first responders arrive.
Another survivor, Chris Attix, collapsed after mowing his lawn. His neighbor, Ryan Cale, and members of the Mill Creek Fire Company helped revive him.
Attix urged others to learn CPR, saying they may one day save a life.
