Last evening, Westwood EMS Paramedic Tom Flynn and EMS Chief Jake Barnes — along with our colleagues at the Keystone Valley Fire Department and West Sadsbury Police Department — were recognized by the West Sadsbury Township Board of Supervisors for life saving interventions of a victim in cardiac arrest last month.

On October 15th, 2025, Keystone Valley Ambulance 8 and Westwood Medic 344 were dispatched to a medical emergency in the 4000 block of West Lincoln Highway. Shortly after dispatch, the incident was upgraded to a cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating; causing blood flow to the brain and other vital organs to cease.

Fortunately in this critical situation, an off-duty West Sadsbury Police officer was steps away when the incident occurred, and quickly initiated CPR.

Medic 344 — based at our Sadsburyville substation — arrived just 7 minutes after the call to 911 occurred.

EMS crews from Keystone Valley and Westwood worked together to resuscitate the patient who was ultimately discharged to return home from the hospital within days of the event.

The individual who was invovled spoke to the attendees of the Township meeting expressing his gratitude for the service he received that day.

We are proud that the skills and knowledge of our region’s dedicated first responders helped to positively change a family’s life that day.