Heroes and survivors honored at Cranberry EMS event
CRANBERRY TWP — More than 20 emergency medical staff were honored at the Ninth Save-A-Life event at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building on Saturday, March 1, and some survivors who lived because of their efforts were on hand to thank them.
The event started with free, hands-only CPR training. The Cranberry EMS therapy dog, Khloe, was on hand with her handler, Tiffany Spiegel, to show the skills needed to possibly keep someone alive while waiting for emergency medial to arrive.
Khloe, a 4-year-old, demonstrated paws-only CPR to visitors at the municipal building and those who attended the event. CPR is not her only skill.
“In addition to being the Cranberry Therapy Dog, Khloe she is also a water-rescue dog,” said Spiegel. “She is trained to jump out of helicopters if needed for a rescue.”
The ceremony to honor members began with a welcome message by Chief Matt Nickl, thanking the honorees for their important work throughout the last year.
“We try to recognize everybody, so everyone involved in their care gets the credit they deserve,” said Nickl before the ceremony. “And to have some of the survivors here, it’s a humbling experience to be able to see how the work that they do pays off.”
One survivor was Ron Reitlinger of Cranberry Township, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Mercy. Reitlinger survived a heart attack thanks to the efforts of EMS.
“On Sept. 3, of last year, I had a heart attack. (Mercy) was there asleep, but I couldn’t wake her up. I had to do something because I was starting to panic,” said Reitlinger.
With no available help, he called 911 and because all the doors were locked, he had to get to the doors so rescue workers could get to him. Once he was able to do that, with the fear that he didn’t have much time, he waited for EMS on his front steps.
“When we arrived, which was within five or 10 minutes, his heart was in a rhythm that was not sustainable,” said paramedic Jeremy Nickl. “He had to be shocked twice.”
During their portion of the presentation, Reitlinger said a thank you to all who helped him.
“I can’t thank you guys enough,” Reitlinger said with tears in his eyes. “Especially the guys who worked on me. You saved my life, and every day is a bonus. I thank God for bringing these people to me when I needed them.”
More information on the Cranberry Township EMS can be found at www.craberrytownshipems.org.
