Couple Thanks EMSA for Saving Life

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

CHOCTAW, Oklahoma -- Everyday paramedics are on the road saving lives. It's a job they're rarely recognized for, but a couple here visiting has given two EMSA paramedics something that has warmed their hearts more than any award ever could.

The husband and wife are campers visiting from Michigan. Two weeks ago James and Beverly Henderson were doing their usually work at the KOA campground near Choctaw when James started experiencing what he thought was heartburn, but James Henderson had a heart attack, and thanks to paramedics, he's alive today to tell his story.

"All of a sudden I hear him yell my name and when I went out there he was just as yellow and white, whatever you want to call ashen," said Beverly Henderson.

"Next thing I knew there were people all around me and that's all I can remember. They said I passed out. I think I did," said James Henderson.

James was having a heart attack and the paramedics insisted that Beverly ride with him in the ambulance to the hospital.

"His heart rate was down to 30 and they didn't expect him to live," said Beverly.

But James did make it, in fact he started recovering inside the ambulance.

"Preston and Barbie were in the ambulance. I guess they just more or less just saved my life," James said.

Barbie Martin and Preston White were the paramedics who worked on James.

"This is what we do. We show up every day to help people in their absolutely worst moment in life," said EMSA paramedic Preston White.

Beverly sent the paramedics a letter thanking them from the bottom of her heart for keeping her husband alive.

"We very rarely get feedback folks and it means a lot," said White.

A simple gesture to show these workers they are appreciated.

"It makes you feel so good to be acknowledged that we did so much for those people," said EMSA paramedic Barbie Martin.

The couple is taking a cruise in October and plan to renew their wedding vows. In the meantime, they'll be working to keep their campground looking nice.

The couple also thanked fire-rescue who helped out.

Letter to Paramedics:
"I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did on May 6, 2009 at the KOA campgrounds in Choctaw because on that day you helped to save my husband's life. Your quick response time, professionalism and compassion for my husband was way more than I could have wished for. That day-- if only for a little while-- you were part of our family and in doing so helped to save: A son, a brother, a father of 5, a grandfather of 3, my best friend and husband and for that we are all truly thankful. I wish that all of your runs could be successful. I know they are now. But on this day, we were blessed to have you in our family. I will always remember you for that day. God Bless you and Thank you. The family and friends of James Henderson."