Two Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District firefighters were recognized for their outstanding emergency medical service efforts, receiving EMS Challenge Coins for their role in saving lives during critical moments in the field.
Firefighter Eric Brubaker and Firefighter Dillion Weitzel were presented with the honor after demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication while responding to two separate cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The recognition is a testament to their advanced medical proficiency and commitment to serving their community.
For emergency responders, the chance of survival for patients in cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting is often slim. Many never regain a pulse before reaching the emergency room. However, through meticulous preparation and expert intervention, Brubaker and Weitzel helped defy the odds.
Shortly after earning their paramedic licenses—an achievement likened to scaling Mount Everest while working full-time as firefighters—the two responded to life-threatening emergencies on October 30 and November 18 while assigned to Squad 61.
In both cases, involving a 57-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, the patients were found unresponsive, without a pulse or breath. Thanks to the swift and precise actions of Brubaker and Weitzel, both patients experienced a return of spontaneous circulation before reaching the hospital, giving them a second chance at life.
“Their dedication to excellence in emergency medical service underscores the critical role first responders play in their communities,” the department shared in its announcement ment of the special honors. “Congratulations to Firefighters Brubaker and Weitzel on this well-earned recognition.”
