Six Knoxville first responders will soon be recognized with “Heartsaver Hero Awards” by the American Heart Association for their extraordinary efforts to save a Knoxville man’s life.

Knoxville Fire Chief Nick Bonstell tells KNIA/KRLS News that on Thursday July 18th, Knoxville City Fire and Rescue and the Knoxville Police Department responded to a 75 year old male in cardiac arrest. Within three minutes, CPR was started, a defibrillator was applied once, the patient shocked twice, and a pulse found. The patient was transported to the hospital within 17 minutes from the time he collapsed, and has since made a full recovery. Bonstell says “we are very proud of the quality of the emergency response we have in the city of Knoxville.” He adds that the recent decision by the City Manager and City Council to increase staffing has greatly improved the department’s response time.

Honorees are:

Greg Higginbotham, Deputy Chief of EMS, Knoxville Fire and Rescue
Val Kemp, EMT, Knoxville Fire and Rescue
Dalton Roland, Firefighter/EMT, Knoxville Fire and Rescue
Austin Rinehart, Firefighter/EMT, Knoxville Fire and Rescue
Jeremy Rawlings, Firefighter/EMT, Knoxville Fire and Rescue
Aaron Fuller, Lieutenant, Knoxville Police Department

The award will be made on Monday, August 19, at the Knoxville City Council Meeting.