Island emergency responders honored with Phoenix Award
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District recently recognized members of its crew, along with individuals from the district’s partner agencies, with the prestigious Phoenix Award for their life-saving efforts.
At the fire commission’s meeting on July 8, a Phoenix Award Ceremony took place honoring two groups of emergency personnel that each responded to a cardiac arrest incident on the island.
One of the most meaningful recognitions, the award is given to those who successfully resuscitate a person who had a cardiac arrest and survives to leave the hospital and return to their loved ones.
“Cardiac arrest is one of the most challenging emergencies. Survival depends upon what we call the chain of survival — early recognition of the emergency, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, advanced life support, rapid transport and excellent hospital care,” Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria said. “When every link in that chain is strong and every responder performs their role, lives are saved.”
He noted that Phoenix Awards are not simply about restoring a heartbeat.
“They represent thousands of hours of training, countless drills, unwavering professionalism, split-second decision making and a commitment to never giving up,” he said. “They recognize teamwork under the most stressful circumstances imaginable and remind us that every responder plays an important role in changing the outcome for another human being.”
At 4:23 a.m. on April 12, the Sanibel fire district, Sanibel Police Department and Lee County EMS responded to a cardiac arrest involving Thomas Krivchenia. Police Cpl. James Serrago and Officers Ryan Murphy and Corey Martin arrived on scene first and immediately began providing life-saving care and delivered two defibrillation shocks before the other responders arrived.
“Their immediate actions significantly increased Mr. Krivchenia’s chance of survival and demonstrate just how critical every second is during a cardiac arrest,” DiMaria said.
Moments later, fire Capt. Mike Martin, engineer-medic Bryan Clement and engineer-EMT Craig Shelby arrived, along with Lee County EMS paramedic Phil Mastres and EMT Heather Pie.
For nearly an hour, the crews worked side by side. They performed continuous CPR, managed the airway, administered advanced cardiac life support medications, analyzed cardiac rhythms and continuously reassessed the patient.
“Because of their extraordinary dedication, professionalism and refusal to quit, Thomas Krivchenia was given another opportunity to spend time with his family, create new memories and continue living the life that nearly slipped away,” he said.
Krivchenia and his wife, Margaret, were in attendance for the ceremony.
Krivchenia expressed his deepest gratitude to the group that responded to the emergency call. He reported that he does not remember much about what occurred, but his wife remembers it all.
“You saved my life,” Krivchenia said. “Thank you for all that you do — and have done in the past.”
Margaret Krivchenia also expressed her heartfelt gratitude. She described it as a miracle when the crews said that they got a heartbeat back, comparing it to “Christmas morning all over again.”
“Your dedication, your kindness will never be forgotten,” Margaret Krivchenia said. “So thank you, and may God bless you always.”
At about 10 a.m. on April 21, the Sanibel fire district and Lee County EMS responded to a cardiac arrest involving Sheryl Taylor. Fire Marshal and Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams arrived on scene first, followed by fire engineer-EMT Ed Zarick and firefighters-paramedics Stephen Bledsoe and Mike Tejeda, along with Lee County EMS paramedic Mike D’Angelo and EMT Ryan Stites.
For about 45 minutes, the crews fought for her life. They delivered continuous CPR, advanced airway management, lifesaving medications, cardiac rhythm analysis and every advanced life support intervention available to them.
“Their persistence, teamwork and unwavering determination resulted in the return of a heartbeat, giving Ms. Taylor another chance to live, laugh and spend precious time with the people who love her,” DiMaria said.
Taylor and her husband, Steve, were in attendance virtually from Ohio.
“I just want to thank everybody for not giving up and for giving me a second chance,” she said. “I made it home to see another grandbaby born.”
Steve Taylor reported that they were on their fifth day of vacation when the incident happened.
“It was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever been through,” he said. “Seeing someone you love go down like that.”
Steve Taylor added that at the hospital, his wife’s goal was to get better, get back home and see her next grandchild born — and she did.
“I can’t thank everybody enough,” he said.
Fire Chief Kevin Barbot congratulated all of the Phoenix Award recipients.
“This is a special day,” he said.