NOTE: The event described below of how area first responders and concerned citizens saved a local mans life took place several months ago. For those not aware of what took place, the Jackson Parish Journal is publishing the account of what took place as described by the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District (JPASD) and local resident Jen Hausgen Lowery. The hope is that others will become aware of the quality of first response care we have in Jackson Parish and learn the importance of knowing what to do in case of life threatening emergencies.
(JPASD Report) – On July 30, 2023, the day started out as a normal workday for Mr. Virgil Davis, but little did he know his life would forever change on this day. At approximately 6:00 pm, Mr. Davis was assisting Mr. Gary Lowery at his residence in Quitman with a pool installation.
During this time Mr. Davis experienced a medical emergency.
Mr. Lowery, being an off duty Paramedic/Caddo District 3 Fireman, recognized the emergency and immediately started Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). His wife Jennifer, an off duty, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) for a GastroIntestinal Surgeon (GIS) activated 911, which is handled by Jackson Parish Sheriff Office Dispatchers, then promptly rushed back to help perform 2 rescuer CPR with her husband until more help arrived.
Due to the quick actions and swift response of Quitman Fire District 1 First Responders, Mr. Davis received his first shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) within minutes of his cardiac event, soon followed by a second shock and continued CPR.
The JPASD, who had also quickly arrived in response to the call, then immediately began Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) treatment. A return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and pulse was soon restored.
Mr. Davis was then flown by Pafford Air One Alpha from a landing zone in Quitman to Willis Knighton Hospital in Shreveport where he was stabilized as lifesaving treatment continued.
Today by the Grace of God, early CPR/911 activation, a swift response and early defibrillation by First Responders, treatment by all organizations involved, and the help from concerned citizens who took action, Mr. Davis is back at work.
This is just one of many testimonies of how emergency services have changed the outcome of unexpected critical events and is a living testimony to the importance of CPR/AED training with early 911 activation.
(Testimony by Jen Hausgen Lowery) – First, would like to thank everyone that was involved and responded. Without them, this outcome would not have happened. Most importantly, we thank God for displaying His favor and mercifulness to Mr. Virgil and to us. To Him we give ALL GLORY!
We feel compelled to share what our child’s role in this was and give complete credit to the organizations that not only responded to this event, but help teach our kids how to respond in these situations.
As traumatic as it was for us as adults to experience, for an 11 year old to witness, it is unthinkable.
During the chaos of everything, we asked Brenna to make a second call to 911 to make sure the fire department dispatched plenty of manpower to remove Mr. Virgil from the pool. She BRAVELY made that call without hesitation, while witnessing something that we know was very terrifying for her. Not only did she make that call, she immediately started calling, texting church members, family, and friends to start a prayer chain in REAL TIME!
We are so proud her bravery and ability to remain calm.
While we have tried to teach Brenna what to do in an emergency, there are organizations in our Parish who do an amazing job also teaching children the importance of KNOWING what to do in this scenario.
We want to thank Quitman High School, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department D.A.R.E. Program, Jackson Parish Ambulance Service, and Quitman Fire Department for your dedication to educating our youth. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you!!!
FREE CPR CLASSES BEING OFFERED ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH
CPR / AED classes are being held on Friday, October 27th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Jackson Parish Ambulance Service District Training Center, located at 115 Watts Avenue in Jonesboro. The class is free but there is a $15.00 charge to receive AHA BLS Provider certification. Healthcare providers and the general public are welcome to take this course. For any questions and registration, you may call the JPASD at (318)259-2891.
