The Elkhart Truth
ELKHART, Ind. — Firefighters and medics called to a shooting on April 24 at The Highlands Apartments received citations for their quick response that day – action that directly contributed to the victim’s survival, according to those who treated her, and one that highlighted a program allowing for a blood transfusion in the field.
Paramedics and firefighters on the team were recognized Monday during an Elkhart City Council meeting attended by the victim and her family.
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On April 24, Engine 7 and Medic 21 responded to a reported shooting and located Madison Morin in a parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound and significant blood loss. At the time emergency personnel began treatment, the location of the person responsible for the shooting was unknown, creating an uncertain and potentially dangerous scene.
The body of the shooter was later located in burning house in Osceola.
Despite those conditions, Elkhart Fire Department personnel immediately assessed the woman’s injuries, controlled the bleeding, stabilized her condition, and provided advanced life-saving care. Crews also administered blood in the field before transporting her to the hospital.
The surgeon who treated Morin later stated that the blood administered by Elkhart Fire Department personnel was instrumental in her survival, the city said in awarding the citations.
Recognition for their performance during the call were Lt. Matthew Girard, driver operator David Blankenship, driver operator Spencer Burtscher, Lt. James Minker and firefighter Ryan Kiel.
Engine 7 and Medic 21 received Unit Citations for their collective performance.
Throughout the incident, the responding personnel demonstrated composure, discipline, teamwork, and professionalism while operating in an uncertain environment, the Elkhart Fire Department said. Their focus on immediate, decisive patient care directly contributed to a life-saving outcome.
Morin and her family attended the recognition, providing an opportunity for the firefighters and paramedics to see the impact of their work beyond the emergency scene.
“The actions of these members reflect great credit upon themselves and exemplify the professionalism, courage, and dedication expected of the Elkhart Fire Department,” Fire Chief Rodney Dale said. “We are grateful for their service and proud to recognize their commitment to protecting the Elkhart community.”
Emergency Medical Services Capt. Grant Roberts said the ceremony highlighted the program started in April 2025 that allows medics to carry blood on ambulances and perform transfusions in some cases on the scene.
“It’s been instrumental in a lot of saves that typically would not experience a positive outcome,” he said. “[Blood] is just such a finite resource.”
He called the EMS blood program, “the single greatest advancement in trauma care in my lifetime.”
The local blood bank at Elkhart General Hospital maintains the coolers and supply medics with the blood, he said. They also track when that blood is going to expire and collect it from EMS medics before it expires so the blood can go back into the hospital where it could potentially be used before it would expire. Then the ambulance gets a fresh batch and maintains the proper temperature for up to 30 hours.
Since early June, soon after the program began, Elkhart medics have administered 61 units to 61 different patients, Roberts said.
“Administering the blood’s not the hard part,” he said. “Being able to identify the appropriate patient to receive that blood is really the most important part and having the ability to get that blood to them.”
Roberts said blood donations are always needed, and he encouraged the community to donate regularly to help maintain the emergency program, as well provide blood for surgeries and palliative care.
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