SEFD Chief Marc Meredith stands with five firefighters who received Distinguished Action pins for their role in saving a life. From left: Jose Beltran, Estevan Reynosa, Meredith, Willie Sanchez, Michael McGonigle and acting Capt. Tim Hart. | Photo by Eddie McArthur

The March 23 Sonoita-Elgin Fire District board of directors meeting was more than routine business as the district celebrated two important achievements. Estevan Reynosa was sworn in as a firefighter/EMT, and five members who saved a community member’s life were awarded Commendations for Distinguished Action.

In December, during a routine medical response, a patient went into cardiac arrest, which has a poor survival rate, especially outside the hospital. The firefighters on scene immediately started CPR, including chest compressions and the use of an automated external defibrillator to restart the patient’s heart. After several minutes, the patient regained a pulse and SEFD transferred care to the flight crew of LifeNet, who transported the patient to Tucson for advanced care. 

After intensive treatment in the hospital, the patient was discharged to home, a positive outcome thanks to the excellent work of our firefighters and our partners at LifeNet and Banner – University Medical Center in Tucson.

In recognition of their save, the following SEFD firefighters were honored with challenge coins from our base hospital and certificates and uniform pins: 

•Tim Hart, Acting Captain and Paramedic

• Michael McGonigle, Firefighter/EMT

• Estevan Reynosa, Firefighter/EMT

• Willie Sanchez, Firefighter/EMT

• Jose Beltran, EMT

CPR can save a life. If you want to know more about how to perform CPR and use an AED, contact our station.

Eddie McArthur is a member of the Sonoita-Elgin Fire District Board of Directors