The Dakota County EMS Council celebrated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week May 19. The council awarded Dakota County first responders for saving the lives of a toddler in an apartment fire, motorcyclists involved in a crash and a man who suffered a drug overdose. Also, 911 dispatchers were recognized for coaching callers during emergency births. The award recipients are:
Dakota County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Lohmann
On April 19, 2023, Deputy Matthew Lohmann responded to the City of Cannon Falls for an apartment fire where there were children trapped inside. When Lohmann arrived, Cannon Falls Police Chief Jeff McCormick ran out of the building and handed him a toddler who appeared to be lifeless. Lohmann and McCormick began administering first aid to the toddler. The toddler's breathing began to slow and airway became obstructed.
An ambulance arrived, and Lohmann, along with a Cannon Falls firefighter, took the child into the ambulance and began to clear the toddler's airway with a suction device. The toddler was transported to a Cannon Falls emergency room and later airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Lohmann did not hesitate to respond to this call and helped saved a toddler's life.
Dakota County Sheriff's Detective Ryan Olson
On May 10, 2023, Detective Ryan Olson was driving home from work and overheard a dispatch call about a motorcycle crash in Lakeville. Olson was nearby, responded and provided aid to a female passenger who was still wearing her helmet. While Olson was helping her, he noticed she was passing out. Olson assisted with rescue breathing using a bag valve mask. The female passenger was then brought into an ambulance. Olson also assisted paramedics with the male driver of the motorcycle, who was airlifted to a hospital. Olson's response to the scene and lifesaving actions made a profound impact on the patients' recovery.
Dakota County Sheriff's Deputy Domenic Scudera
On Aug. 31, 2023, Deputy Domenic Scudera responded to Ravenna Township for a reported drug overdose. He found an adult male unconscious and gasping for air. Scudera provided two doses of Narcan, an overdose reversal medication, and placed a defibrillator on the patient. After this, he began chest compressions. After numerous rounds of compressions, the patient regained consciousness, sat up and was transported by paramedics. Scudera's quick response saved the patient's life.
Stork Awards
Stork Awards are given to Dakota County 911 dispatchers when they coach a caller through an emergency birth prior to the arrival of first responders. In the last year, three 911 dispatchers helped bring babies into the world — Jenni Buran, Dave Chilson and Melissa Peers. Thanks to their calm assuredness and attention to protocol, they assured a healthy outcome for both mom and baby under very challenging circumstances.
The EMS Advisory Council also announced its inaugural Post High School EMS Education Scholarship. Two scholarships are awarded annually to assist and support high school graduates as they further their education to become EMS professionals. The awards recognize the importance of maintaining high-quality, successful EMS service for our community. This year's awardees are Clara Gilbert and Samantha Gilomen, both from the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley.