8 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 Smoke Signals ‘This was the perfect mix of miraculous events’ HONORING continued from front page seen three or four code saves where somebody has actually been in cardiac arrest in a non-hospital environment where it didn’t hap- pen right in front of us and they’ve survived,” Warden said. However, the quick response of medics and an engine from the Grand Ronde Fire Station, as well as backup from other Tribal Emergen- cy Services personnel from the Wil- lamina station, were able to shock the man’s heart with a defibrillator, administer drugs and get the man’s pulse and heart rhythm registering on a monitor. He was transported to Salem Hospital and discharged to his home two weeks later. “This was the perfect mix of miraculous events,” Warden said during a Thursday, Aug. 17, cer- emony held at Station 28 in Wil- lamina. Honored with certificates and engraved commemorative pens were Battalion Chief Sean Hoxie, Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Jett Bales, Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician and Tribal member Dillon Gib- bons, Firefighter/Paramedic Henry Heiser, Paramedic Geo Jacobo and Lieutenant/Emergency Medical Technician Cooper Walters. Warden ran down the series of events before awarding the certifi- cates and pens. Photo by Michelle Alaimo From left, Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Jett Bales, Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technician and Tribal member Dillon Gibbons, Firefighter/Paramedic Henry Heiser, Battalion Chief Sean Hoxie, Firefighter/ Paramedic Geovanni Jacobo and Lieutenant/Emergency Medical Technician Cooper Walters were honored during a ceremony at Station 28 in Willamina on Thursday, Aug. 17, for saving the life of a man who went into cardiac arrest at Spirit Mountain Casino on May 20. At 11:32 p.m., medics were called to a delta level — high level — emer- gency medical call at Spirit Moun- tain Casino. A customer had fallen on the main gaming room floor and casino staff were performing CPR on the man. Medics and an engine arrived in slightly more than four minutes and quickly determined that the man was in cardiac arrest. Hoxie, who was listening on the radio, also responded and request- ed Engine 28 from Willamina re- spond as well. Heiser started life-saving mea- sures while Walters and Gibbons took over cardiopulmonary resus- citation on the man. Bales placed an advanced airway in the man’s throat and upon arrival Hoxie assisted with administering medi- cations. After 10 intense minutes, Tribal Emergency Services person- nel were able to get a pulse and heart rhythm established. Willamina personnel arrived and helped move the man to a waiting ambulance, which transported him to Salem Hospital. Jacobo rode with the ambulance crew to provide continuing advanced medical care. “The amount of training, dedica- tion and expertise our folks have in going on these … this is a big deal to me,” Warden said. “You guys make it all. We started this program in 2020 because the Tribe saw the need for high quality, professional, compassionate and caring emer- gency responders. This case here brings it all forward to us … it’s a testament to the dedication that you guys have shown. “Every day we go out and do what’s above and beyond, and only sometimes do we have the perfect mix of miraculous events that we are able to assist in saving a life, and it feels pretty good.” By all accounts, Warden added, the man is continuing on his path to recovery. “And from what I understand is doing quite well,” Warden added. Welcome back Health & Wellness Center hours The Health & Wellness Center has additional access for patients during holiday weeks on Thursday mornings. The clinic will be scheduling patients at 8 a.m. every Thursday pre- ceding or following a holiday closure. Urgent care also will be available during this time. Photo by Michelle Alaimo Vincent Mercier, 3, drums during the Canoe Journey welcome back dinner at Tribal plankhouse achaf-hammi on Tuesday, Aug. 29. The event was an opportunity for the community get together, have a meal and welcome back the Canoe Family after participating in the 2023 Canoe Journey Paddle to Muckleshoot. A dinner including salmon and stew was served. There was drumming, singing and a video produced by Tribal Multimedia Specialist Matthew Williams with footage from the journey was shown to attendees.