Responding without hesitation | DLA first responders save employee’s life

"There is no mathematical reason whatsoever why I should be here."

Standing before the firefighters, paramedics and emergency responders who helped save his life, Stephen Dally used those words to describe the events of April 1.

On that day, Dally suffered cardiac arrest while at work on Defense Supply Center Richmond. On June 10, the responders who rushed to his aid gathered at the installation fire station to receive Unit Citations and Life Saving Awards for their actions during the emergency.

The awards recognized the actions of responders whose efforts help save a life and reflect the readiness and emergency response capabilities that support the Defense Logistics Agency's Posture strategic imperative.

The incident began with a report of chest pain in Building 34.

William (Will) Hock, assistant chief of Training and Fire Prevention for DLA Installation Management Richmond's Fire and Emergency Services, arrived first and made contact with Dally.

"The patient relayed he was not feeling well and was not sure what was wrong, and that he needed help," Hock said.

Moments later, Dally lost consciousness.

"As soon as the patient lost consciousness, I radioed to the other responders to expedite their response to the area," Hock said.

When DLA Richmond Fire Department Chief Kenneth Cato arrived, Hock had already moved Dally from a chair to the floor and was preparing to begin CPR.

Fire Capt. Sean Mathiesen, assigned to DLA Richmond Fire and Emergency Services, immediately began chest compressions. Firefighter-Paramedic Damond Whitaker established an airway while Cato prepared the cardiac monitor and defibrillator.

The cardiac monitor revealed a life-threatening heart rhythm requiring immediate defibrillation. A shock was delivered before a complete cycle of compressions had been completed. Mathiesen resumed CPR while Cato monitored Dally's condition.

"I noticed a rhythm return and stopped CPR to check the patient for a pulse," Cato said. "The patient's pulse had returned and was consistent with the rhythm on the monitor."

Moments later, Dally began responding to commands from responders on scene. As Dally was prepared for transport, Hock asked him for a thumbs up.

"He did and I think this provided his team with a sense of relief that he was going to be OK," Hock said.

Dally was transported to a local hospital for additional treatment.

During the June 10 ceremony, Dally spoke about the events of April 1 and the responders who came to his aid.

"Every doctor, hospital, nurse, specialist, said that I shouldn't be alive," he said.

Mathiesen said the outcome reflected the way responders worked together during the emergency.

"Every crew member who responded to this call worked exceptionally well within their scope of practice, which gave the best possible outcome for our patient," he said.

Five responders received Life Saving Awards, which recognize firefighters or paramedics whose direct actions result in saving a life. Recipients included Mathiesen, Whitaker, Firefighter-EMT Trey Haywood, Hock and Cato.

Nine responders received Unit Citations, which recognize an outstanding act performed by a team that results in the protection of life or property. In addition to the Life Saving Award recipients, those recognized included Fire Lt. Brad Hudson, Firefighter-EMT Robert Fitch, Firefighter-EMT James Clancy and Firefighter-EMT Linwood Weaver.

Cato said every responder contributed to the outcome.

"While the responders that had patient contact may have conducted interventions that were critical," he said, "every member of the team performed an important role in this life save."

That support included moving equipment, preparing medical interventions, positioning vehicles and assisting with patient movement. Hock was unable to attend the ceremony, and his awards were accepted on his behalf.

"Members of the DSCR community should understand that DLA Richmond Fire and Emergency Services personnel are the apex of trained professionals who constantly hone their skill sets so when you are at your moment of utmost need, they are at their best," Dally said.

Dally thanked the responders who answered the call that day.

"It is a very, very honoring thing to know that when you reach out to those whom you know have your back, they come running," he said.