Greensburg, PA recognizes first responders who saved woman's life

The Irwin Council recognized paramedics Robert Gowans and Anna Audley, and EMTs Jordan Hirst and Ryan Brown

GREENSBURG, Pa. — An Irwin woman who suffered a cardiac arrest last month was saved by the quick response and actions of three ambulance personnel who were recognized last week for their life-saving effort.

Irwin Council gave certificates of appreciation to Irwin Volunteer Fire Department paramedic Robert Gowans and emergency medical technicians Jordan Hirst and Ryan Brown, as well as Anna Audley, a paramedic with the North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue.

"You like to recognize the good things," council President Rick Burdelski said of the borough acknowledging the ambulance personnel for their efforts.

The emergency call they received indicated the woman was unresponsive. When ambulance personnel arrived at the woman's Ninth Street house on Aug. 28, "she did not have a pulse," said Gowans, who was working first shift for the Irwin VFD Ambulance.

When he went into the house and saw the patient was unresponsive, "all I was just thinking was to do my job, get on the chest and start (chest) compressions," Hirst said.

"It was all happening very quickly," Brown said.

North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue paramedic responded to a request for use of a mechanical cardio pulmonary resuscitation device, which Audley administered, said Shane Spielvogle, director of North Huntingdon EMS/Rescue.

By using the mechanical device, which provides "high quality CPR, never gets tired," they were free to provide her with other treatment, Gowans said.

Gowans said they used an automated external defibrillator to apply an electric shock to the patient's heart and were able to get a pulse, Gowans said. "Everything worked out in her favor."

The woman received advanced life support on her way to Excela Westmoreland Hospital, Gowans said. She is expected to recover, said Scott Marvin, new director for the Irwin VFD Ambulance.

"The science proved effective and they were able to resuscitate this person and take her to Excela Health in Greensburg," Marvin said.

"It's a community coming together and working as a team," he said of the joint effort by the Irwin and North Huntingdon ambulance personnel.