It is not every day a 911 call is received regarding an emergency of a loved one that has a happy ending. But on Jan. 4, 2013, the Dodd family experienced this first hand.
That day a frantic 911 call was made by Charles Dodd. He had been doing some physical exercise that morning and was driving down the road when he began experiencing "crushing" chest pain. He pulled over to the side of Shallowford Road and was soon joined by the crew of Chattanooga Fire Department Quint 8, who began emergency care.
Hamilton County Medic 7 arrived on the scene, assumed patient care, and began advanced life support on Mr. Dodd.
Transport was soon begun to Erlanger Medical Center. Shortly after the start of the transport, Mr. Dodd experienced cardiac arrest and stopped breathing. The paramedic on Medic 7 aggressively initiated appropriate advanced care, "shocked" Mr. Dodd’s heart, and after several minutes of CPR, began to assess a return to life of his patient.
The transport was continued to the hospital and Mr. Dodd arrived at Erlanger conscious, alert and verbally responding. After an extended stay and recovery, he was discharged home.
Due to this extraordinary event, the Dodd family wanted to meet and greet the first responders and EMS personnel who saved Mr. Dodd's life.
That happy reunion was held on Sunday at HCEMS Medic 7 station at 7233 Crane Road.