09/16/2026
OUTSTANDING work by IAFF Local 2665 7th District members of the Professional Fire Fighters of Eastern Missouri, who recently achieved Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) in a patient experiencing cardiac arrest.
The patient’s husband, who is also a Union Carpenter, immediately began CPR and prior to the arrival of Boles Fire Protection District Firefighters and Meramec Ambulance District Paramedics. His quick action and high-quality CPR undoubtedly played an important role in giving his wife the best possible chance of survival.
In our profession, even with highly trained personnel and the best equipment available, cardiac arrests do not always have the outcomes we hope for. That made this outcome especially meaningful.
Our first encounter with this patient was when she had no pulse and was not breathing. To later have the opportunity to meet her while she was walking, talking, and showing no apparent neurological deficits was incredibly uplifting.
It is a powerful reminder that survival from cardiac arrest is truly a chain of survival—and that immediate CPR can make all the difference.
International Association of Fire Fighters IAFF 2nd District
Last evening, Meramec Ambulance District, Boles Fire Protection District, and Franklin County Sheriff's Office Missouri deputies had the opportunity to reunite with a woman whose life they helped save.
Everyone, meet Spring.
A few weeks ago, Spring was doing dishes at home when she suddenly collapsed in front of her husband. Thankfully, as a union carpenter, he was CPR certified and knew exactly what to do. He immediately began chest compressions while their daughter called 911.
Franklin County deputies were the first to arrive and quickly took over CPR. Boles Fire Protection District arrived shortly after, continued care, and delivered a shock with their AED.
Minutes later, Meramec Ambulance District’s crew on 8537 arrived and joined the resuscitation. After continued CPR, defibrillation, and advanced care, Spring regained a pulse.
She spent about a week in the hospital before returning home.
Her outcome was the result of every part of the response coming together — her husband starting CPR right away, her daughter calling 911, Franklin County deputies and Boles Fire stepping in quickly, and Meramec Ambulance District continuing her care.
Seeing Spring smiling and doing well is something we’ll carry with us for a long time.
We train for moments when everything is on the line. We practice so that when someone’s worst day happens, we have the chance to help change the ending.
Getting to see Spring again — alive, smiling, and back with the people she loves — is exactly why we do what we do. 💙🚑