Two Chatham County EMTs given special recognition for life-saving care

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - One Savannah resident survived against steep odds after suffering a “widow maker” heart attack — a type of blockage the American Heart Association says carries about a 12% chance of survival.

After recovering, Andrea Howard wanted nothing more than to personally thank the people who pulled her through.

“If my husband had not been home, he would have found me on the floor. And that’s how fast it happened,” Howard said.

Howard said the first signs were sudden and alarming. “Strange things started happening to me. My right arm was feeling extremely uncomfortable,” she recalled.

Her husband called for help immediately, and Chatham County EMS arrived within minutes. Howard described the crew’s response as swift and decisive.

“It truly was like watching a movie or a documentary. It was amazing, better than I could have even imagined,” she said.

Dr. Reeves, an ER physician at Memorial Health who treated Howard, told WTOC that the EMS team’s rapid assessment and field communication made a crucial difference.

“Everyone knows that time is extremely important to the heart and so when you can call EMS and they can actually transmit that information and activate from the field we know that we can make a big difference in the timeline and really help people get the care they need,” Dr. Reeves said.

Chatham County EMS Chief Doug Struble said he was proud of the crew and the outcome.

“Specifically, when we have an incident like this, where we have such a great outcome of a very critical incident, to celebrate the crew is an awesome thing that we’re able to do for them,” Struble said.

In recognition of their quick response and life-saving care, Memorial Health awarded two Chatham County EMS members — Jennifer Fields and Evan Clark — the “Great Save” award. Their actions, hospital officials said, were instrumental in helping Howard beat the low odds.

All Howard wanted after recovering was to say thank you in person.

“This hospital is amazing, and everybody in it. And we’re lucky to have Memorial Hospital here, and every employee,” she said.