Photo: Jason and Rachel Dickerson with CAFMA Engine 58 and Battalion 3
On February 25, 2023, at approximately 9:21 a.m. the crew of Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) Engine 58 responded to a 50-year-old male in cardiac arrest in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
On May 9, 2023, just over two months after a miracle comeback, Jason Dickerson and his family visited Station 58 and the crew that helped save his life, Captain Rick Olson, Engineer/Paramedic Jake Brunk, Firefighter/Paramedic Jaron Kirk, and Battalion Chief Brad Davis.
On the day of the incident, Jason told his wife, Rachel, that he was feeling pain in his chest and that she should call 9-1-1; then he collapsed, not breathing, and without a pulse.
Guided by the dispatcher that answered the call, Rachel administered CPR until help arrived in the form of the Prescott Valley Police Department, CAFMA Battalion 3 and Engine 58, and Life Line Ambulance.
The crews worked diligently through their cardiac arrest protocols one after the other, never giving up, and just when all hope seemed lost, Jason’s heart began beating again. He was then transported to Yavapai Regional Medical Center where treatment continued.
Jason was released from the hospital only a few weeks later, and crews were invited to visit with the family in their home. The crew of Engine 58 then returned the favor, inviting Jason and his family to visit their home, Station 58, and take a ride in the fire engine.
“It’s not very often that we get to meet up with a patient after a call, so it has been great witnessing Jason’s recovery and getting to know his family,” said Battalion Chief Davis.
Studies suggest that no more than 10% of people survive cardiac arrest when it occurs outside of a hospital, but it has been proven that early access to effective CPR significantly increases chances of survival.
“Calling 9-1-1 immediately and administering effective CPR saved Jason’s life. If anyone has been considering CPR certification, do it now,” urged Chief Davis, “CPR saves lives.”
CAFMA would like to thank the Dickerson family, the Prescott Regional Communications Center, the Prescott Valley Police Department, and Life Line Ambulance.
