DeKalb EMS recognized one of its' own last week after an off-duty EMT saved the life of an off-duty THP Lieutenant when he suffered a heart attack while on a camping trip at the Floating Mill recreation area on June 20.
According to EMS Director Hoyte Hale, THP Lieutenant David Allred and his family were camping when Allred began having a heart attack. Tyler Grandstaff, a DeKalb EMS paramedic, who was camping with his family nearby, rushed to the rescue.
"I was making a trip from the boat to the campground to get drinks when I saw Lt. Allred lying on the ground," Grandstaff said. "He was exhibiting signs of chest pain and diaphoresis (sweating heavily). He had a pale, grayish color. I went to the truck and got my bag and my oxygen tank and just did what we normally do. He was conscious but not alert and very disoriented. I started an IV and gave him some oxygen and fluids. Gladly an ambulance got there pretty quick," said Grandstaff.
"We had probably only been at the campground for an hour and a half," Allred said. "We had just got the camp and everything all set up. I walked over to my brother's camper and told my wife that I felt like I was going to pass out, then I did. At no time did I have any pain until after the second or third time I went down, then the pain really started. After that I could hear everything that was going on, but I couldn't communicate. I heard Tyler say he was going to get his bag. I could understand everything everybody was saying, but I couldn't reply."
When DeKalb EMS Paramedic Tim Briggs and EMT Becky Atnip arrived on the scene with an ambulance, Grandstaff rode along on the 19-minute trip to Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
"I appreciate Becky getting me there so quickly," Allred shared. "I heard them say they were calling for a bird (helicopter) and I managed to tell them that I didn't want to fly, but no helicopter was available because of the weather, and Becky got me to Cookeville very quickly. I wouldn't be here without them. They saved me. Cookeville Hospital also did a great job. The dispatchers here did a great job. Everybody did their job that day. Thankfully Tyler was there, or I don't think I'd be here."
"I’m glad I was there to help him out," Grandstaff said.
Though it was only a week after the incident, Allred was out of the hospital Friday, but had not yet returned to work.
"It was a massive heart attack. I go back for an update with the doctor on July 21, and he will re-evaluate everything and see what we're going to do. I still have two more blockages. Hopefully after we get those taken care of I can go back to work," said Allred.
Director Hale said Briggs and Atnip should also be commended for their part in the incident.
"Tim and Becky transported him to Cookeville, and they did a great job. I'm glad we have crews and staff who are dedicated to their job," Hale said.
He presented Grandstaff with a certificate recognizing his accomplishment Friday at the 911 center in Smithville. The certificate read: "DeKalb County Emergency Services Outstanding Service Award is hereby granted to Tyler Grandstaff for your outstanding instinct and actions on June 20, 2014. Your actions undoubtedly contributed to a positive outcome. We sincerely appreciate your dedication to DeKalb EMS. DeKalb County Emergency Services. Awarded June 27, 2014. Signed by Hoyte Hale, EMS Director".
