Over the past few months, City of Paris EMS has cared for several patients who experienced cardiac arrest and survived.
“We have recently started a new Cardiac Arrest Survivor Celebration Program — an opportunity to recognize these incredible survivors, celebrate their second chance at life, and bring them back together with the crews who responded when they needed help the most,” said the City of Paris EMS online.
The first celebration recognized a survivor who experienced a cardiac arrest in December 2025.
“Paris EMS and Reno Fire Department responded to a patient experiencing difficulty breathing. Shortly after crews arrived, the patient became unresponsive and pulseless. Responders immediately began resuscitation efforts. Following continued care and transport, the patient achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).”
Although the survivor was unable to attend the celebration, Paris EMS said they were grateful for the opportunity to recognize the responder who were there that day and played a part in giving the patient another chance.
The second celebration was especially meaningful as the team was able to welcome Mr. Driggers and his family and reunite him with the crews who responded to his cardiac arrest.
On July 13, Paris EMS and Paris Fire Department responded to a report of possible heart attack and while enroute, they learned that CPR was already in progress after the 911 telecommunicator instructed his wife to begin CPR.
When responders arrived, Driggers was unresponsive, pulseless, and not breathing.
Crews immediately began resuscitation efforts and after approximately five minutes of resuscitation, Driggers regained a pulse. He was then transported to the emergency department for continued care.
“Being able to see Mr. Driggers standing there, doing well, and personally thank the people who responded to him was an incredible reminder of why we do what we do. Cardiac arrest survival is a team effort. It starts with someone recognizing an emergency and calling 911. It can include a family member performing CPR, a telecommunicator providing lifesaving instructions, firefighters and EMS crews beginning resuscitation, and hospital staff continuing that care. Today, we celebrate the survivors—and everyone who helped give them a second chance.”
Pictured are Paramedic Captain Eric Simmons, Paramedic Victor Bridewell. Not pictured: Paramedic Hayden Kelley, Reno FD Firefighter Paramedic Cameron Edwards and Mayor Pankaj, Paramedic Aidan Smith, Mrs. Driggers, Paramedic Captain Isaac Boehlar, Dispatcher Michelle Shiftlet, Mr. Driggers, Paris FD Captain Matt Barbee, Paris FD Driver/Engineer Josh May, Paris FD Firefighter Greg Janes, Paris FD Firefighter Clay Finnegan.
