23 February 2024
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — Representatives from Children’s Mercy of Kansas City have presented the Lifesaving Heart of Kindness Award to several first responders in Arkansas City.
Two members of the Arkansas City Police Department and five members of the Fire/EMS department were presented with the award for saving the life of a 14-year-old. The rescue happened on Jan. 10 when they responded to a home where the child was found unresponsive.
The City of Arkansas City says Police Sgt. Detective Kelsey Horinek was the first to arrive and began performing CPR after finding the teen in bed without a pulse. Shortly after, Police t. Corey Combs arrived and began assisting Horinek with chest compressions.
The city says they continued efforts until Firefighter/EMT Ike Hobbs, Firefighter/Paramedic Brandy Rice, Firefighter/EMT Patrick Rodke, Engineer/EMT Logon French, and Fire Marshall Chet Ranzau arrived to provide more advanced care.
They were able to regain a pulse on the child, who was transported to SCK Health-Medical Center in critical condition and later taken to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City for further treatment. The child has since recovered and was able to leave Children’s Mercy one week later.
Heather Scruton, Children’s Mercy of Kansas City Assistant Director of Critical Care Transport & EMS Relations, presented the award to the first responders at the Feb. 20 Arkansas City Commission meeting.
“This award is given annually to first responders who represent the best of our ranks in the care of a pediatric patient,” said Scruton. “We are so very proud to be able to extend our congratulations to your team as this year’s recipients.”