On Wednesday, November 19, a coordinated response involving bystanders, Roswell 911, Roswell Police, the Roswell Fire Department, American Medical Response, and the Wellstar North Fulton Hospital team helped save a life after a sudden medical emergency and vehicle crash on Holcomb Bridge Road near Warsaw Road. The rapid actions of everyone involved created a clear example of how the Chain of Survival works in real situations.
A witness traveling behind the vehicle saw the driver lose control and strike a building. Recognizing a medical emergency, the witness stopped immediately and began high-quality CPR. Bystanders activated 911. Roswell Police arrived within minutes, applied an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and delivered a shock. Roswell Fire and American Medical Response arrived shortly after and continued advanced cardiac care, administering additional shocks. The patient regained a pulse during transport and was transferred to cardiac specialists at Wellstar North Fulton for continued treatment and monitoring. No patient details are being released.
The Vital Role of the “Chain of Survival” in Cardiac Emergencies
This incident demonstrates the importance of the Chain of Survival. This nationally recognized model outlines six critical steps that improve survival during cardiac emergencies.
- Early recognition of a cardiac emergency: Someone notices the emergency and responds without delay.
- Early activation of 911: Calling 911 right away gets first responders moving quickly.
- Early CPR: CPR keeps blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until the heart can resume normal function.
- Early defibrillation: AEDs deliver a controlled shock that can restore a healthy heart rhythm.
- Advanced emergency care: Fire and EMS teams provide airway support, medications, cardiac monitoring, and continued treatment.
- Hospital cardiac care: Cardiac teams stabilize the patient, continue treatment, and support long-term recovery once the heart is restarted.
“This incident shows the strength of our community and the dedication of our first responders. A bystander recognized the emergency and acted quickly, and our Police, Fire, EMS, and 911 teams worked together to provide the care that saved a life,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson. “This is a powerful example of why learning CPR is so important. Anyone can be the first link in the Chain of Survival, and that action can make all the difference.”
In addition to the importance of CPR and AED use, the successful response highlights the coordination among all involved agencies. Roswell 911 provided fast call processing, police officers deployed the first shock, firefighters and EMS personnel continued advanced care, and Wellstar North Fulton completed the chain with hospital-level cardiac treatment and monitoring.
“This incident is a powerful reminder that the Chain of Survival is only as strong as each person involved,” Roswell Fire Chief Pabel Troche said. “From the bystander who took immediate action to our law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS teams, and 911 dispatchers who were trained, equipped, and ready to deliver the highest level of service, everyone played a vital role. I am proud of the way our public safety professionals and community members came together in response. Their quick actions, along with the excellent care provided by the team at Wellstar North Fulton, gave this patient the best possible chance at survival and recovery.”
This incident highlights the strength of Roswell’s community and the critical partnership between residents, first responders, and medical teams. Learning CPR and recognizing emergencies early gives anyone the ability to make a lifesaving difference. Residents can explore CPR training opportunities through reputable programs in the area.
