09/26/2025
Recently, Star EMS Paramedic R.J. Lennis and EMT Alex Schlutow responded to a 911 call at a private residence.
Moments before the 911 call was initiated, the (young person/patient) complained of chest pain to (family) and collapsed to the floor.
The assisting fire department arrived on scene first, and began CPR. With the use of an AED they delivered an initial SHOCK, that brought the persons heartbeat back into a normal heart rhythm. (This is why early accesses to an AED, Automated Defibrillators is important).
Now, with Star EMS's Advanced Life Support unit having arrived on the scene, as these extremely critical medical emergencies go, the patient lost the heartbeat again. But, now, the quick actions of the Star EMS crew, delivering another/immediate SHOCK with the LifePak Cardiac Monitor & Defibrillator, the heartbeat returned, and the patient regained some consciousness, enough to be confused and start fighting against the advanced airway that was put in place to breathe for the patient (this may sound bad, but it is actually a very good sign).
On the way to the hospital, with lights and sirens, the paramedics performed a 12-lead EKG, which showed the patient was having a significant heart attack. Through technology, this EKG was shared with the hospital, from the back of the ambulance, allowing the hospital to be ready and waiting.
After admission to the hospital, and receiving WORLD-CLASS healthcare services/procedures (right here in our own backyard), we are very proud to report that this relatively young patient was later discharged home, with cardiac rehab services and will go on to resume a normal, active life.
We share this because we are immensely proud of these moments. The crew was recognized by the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (the agency that provides oversight to fire department ambulances, and professional EMS agency ambulances, like Star EMS) for their achievement in excellent patient care.
Join me in congratulating R.J. and Alex. Their training, experience, and rapid delivery of emergency medicine was a contributing factor in this patient's survival.
This is just one example of why our EMT's, Paramedics, and EMD Dispatchers do what they do, everyday.
Great Job RJ and Alex.
Note: Alex is carrying on his father's legacy (his dad was a paramedic for over 40 years) and RJ is both a fireman and a paramedic instructor, with decades of experience.
