A life was saved on the afternoon of August 19th thanks to the fast action, teamwork, and dedication of multiple agencies and individuals across Cheyenne County: the individual’s family, Cheyenne County Communications Center (Dispatch), Sidney Regional Medical Center Emergency Medical Services (SRMC EMS), Potter Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (PVFRD), and the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Their coordinated response to a cardiac arrest call led to the successful resuscitation and recovery of a local man – an inspiring example of community-driven emergency care.
The incident began when dispatch received a call about a cardiac arrest. Dispatchers Desirae Bruner and Briley McCleary quickly and calmly coordinated the emergency response, directing first responders to the individual’s home without delay. When help arrived, the patient was already receiving CPR from his spouse and family members. He had gone into full cardiac arrest. Mark Onstott, Chief of the PVFRD, praised their quick thinking: “If it weren’t for this individual’s spouse and family knowing CPR, the outcome may have been different. The spouse and family gave this individual a fighting chance at survival prior to first responders arriving on scene.”
Chief Mark Onstott, DL Christensen, Karl Davis, Kevin Frei, Jerry Gasseling, Matt Jones, Cory Lenstrom, Marvin Moench, and Brandi Tallmage of the PVFRD were first on scene to take over CPR, quickly followed by Deputies Zach Goodrich and Mason Trvs. Deputy Trvs arrived with an essential Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in his personal car, which proved instrumental that day. The patient received several shocks with the AED before SRMC EMS paramedics Angel Coffman and BJ Juelfs arrived. Once on the scene, Angel administered approximately five more shocks before the patient regained consciousness.
The man was then transferred to the ambulance, where Angel, BJ, and PVFRD volunteers continued working to stabilize him. Recognizing the complexity of the case, Angel contacted off-duty Sidney EMS paramedic Nikki Marks for additional support. Nikki met them en route to the hospital, helping assess the patient’s status and advising on next steps.
“His situation was strange,” Nikki explained. “Normally, we’re either doing CPR or we’re not. This time the patient kept going in and out of cardiac arrest, so we’d have to administer CPR, then stop, then start again. By the time we reached the hospital, he was mostly stable – just extremely confused.”
The EMS team continued stabilizing the patient before flying him to a specialized cardiac hospital. Thanks to the early intervention, advanced care, and seamless collaboration, this individual has made a full recovery!
In total, 16 individuals played an active role in saving the man’s life. Their teamwork, quick decision-making, and professional skill exemplify what is possible when a community comes together in a crisis.
In recognition of their lifesaving efforts, all 16 team members received the Nebraska Code Save Award, presented by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. This honor is awarded to those who provide high quality CPR and/or defibrillation that results in successful resuscitation and patient recovery.
The recipients were recognized during the County Commissioner’s Meeting on October 6th, where each person received a certificate and commemorative pin. Chief Onstott declared at the meeting, “I am here to tell you that it takes a village working as a cohesive team, and every individual plays a crucial role.”
SRMC is incredibly proud to have Angel, Nikki, and BJ on our team to demonstrate the life-saving care we provide to our community. We would especially like to recognize Nikki who was off duty during this critical time but who stepped in regardless. Chief Onstott acknowledged their teamwork during the meeting by saying, “I would also like to thank the staff at SRMC for their professionalism and expertise to continue the treatment and stabilization of this individual.”
We proudly applaud the incredible individuals whose skill and compassion helped save a life and thank them for their service to our community.
Cheyenne County Communications Center
- Desirae Bruner
- Briley McCleary
Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office
- Mason Trvs
- Zach Goodrich
Sidney Regional Medical Center EMS
- Angel Coffman
- Nikki Marks
- BJ Juelfs (also a firefighter/EMT with Potter)
Potter Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department
- Chief Mark Onstott
- DL Christensen
- Karl Davis
- Kevin Frei
- Jerry Gasseling
- Matt Jones
- Cory Lenstrom
- Marvin Moench
- Brandi Tallmage