09/15/2026
Tonight, members of Elkhart Firefighters Local 338, the Elkhart Police Department, and members of our community were recognized for their life-saving actions following a cardiac arrest earlier this year.
On January 26, 2026, Christopher Bridegroom suffered a cardiac arrest in his home. His survival is a powerful example of what happens when every link in the Chain of Survival comes together.
It began with Christopher’s wife and daughter immediately recognizing that something was seriously wrong and calling for help. With instructions from dispatch—and CPR education previously provided by teacher Susie Krizmanich—they began CPR before first responders arrived. Elkhart Police Officer Tom Brennaman arrived afterward and continued those critical life-saving efforts.
Without that immediate recognition and early CPR, Christopher’s chances of survival would have decreased dramatically.
When Medic 21 and Engine 5 arrived, crews were able to quickly take over and continue advanced care in a coordinated manner, ultimately achieving return of spontaneous circulation.
Successful resuscitation does not begin at the hospital. It begins with a citizen recognizing an emergency. It continues with the dispatcher on the other end of the phone, someone willing and able to perform CPR, police officers arriving to help, and fire and EMS crews providing advanced care. From there, our emergency department physicians, nurses, technicians, and support staff continue the fight.
Every link matters.
Tonight, September 14, these life-saving efforts were formally recognized prior to the Elkhart City Council meeting. We are proud to recognize not only our Local 338 members, but every person who played a role in giving Christopher the opportunity to survive.
This is what the Chain of Survival looks like when a community works together.
Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved.
