County honors lifesavers for CPR saves
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Anderson County Emergency Medical Services Commander Ronald Smiddy, Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Lopez, ACEMS Capt. Matthew Wilson, Roane State Community College student Chris Lassen and ACEMS AEMT Riley Hopson received recognition at the March 16 Anderon County Commission meeting for their role in a CPR rescue in Claxton. - Ben Pounds
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Gregory Helton, third standing from left, joins his rescuers, civilian and professional alike, who received recognition at the March 16 Anderson County Commission meeting. - Ben Pounds
First responders gathered at the Anderson County Courthouse on March 16, filling the room to standing-room-only capacity as the county honored those who saved lives through CPR.
“There’s a lot that happens in the calls that we go to, but there’s nothing more unique than a CPR save,” said Nathan Sweet, director of Anderson County Emergency Medical Services, who honored two different groups of lifesavers at the meeting. One group was involved in a Claxton rescue, while the other helped a patient in Oak Ridge.
Sweet said the two rescues were “a little bit more unique than what we might see on some of our other CPR saves.”
Claxton rescue
The first instance took place Oct. 25, 2025, in the Claxton community off Clinton Highway near Old State Circle.
Someone called 911 in the afternoon regarding a person experiencing cardiac arrest.
“Deputy Scott Lopez arrived on scene and immediately sprang into action, recognized what needed to be done and started performing CPR until the ambulance crew arrived about five minutes later,” Sweet said.
Sweet said ACEMS crews praised Lopez for his effectiveness.
Once the crew arrived, responders used a mechanical chest compression device. The patient received defibrillation from a cardiac monitor, restoring a normal heart rhythm and allowing the patient to breathe independently. However, the patient experienced additional complications, and crews provided further assistance.
Sweet presented CPR recognition pins to those involved: Lopez, ACEMS Capt. Matthew Wilson, Roane State Community College student Chris Lassen, ACEMS AEMT Riley Hopson, and ACEMS Cmdr. Ronald Smiddy.
Oak Ridge rescue
The second incident took place at an Oak Ridge church gymnasium on Feb. 22.
The rescued patient, Gregory Helton, attended the March County Commission meeting and posed for a photo with his rescuers.
“It’s always a delight when we can bring the patient back and have them here,” Sweet said. “For every provider involved with this call, getting to see this gentleman standing here really highlights what they did. While awards and recognition mean quite a bit, this is why they do it.”
The ACEMS dispatch center received a call around 5:40 p.m. about a patient in cardiac arrest. Telecommunicator Jada Allen provided CPR instructions over the phone, which Helton’s friends followed. Helton thanked those friends during the meeting, and they received pins alongside professional first responders.
The first professional on scene was Oak Ridge Police Department Officer Isaiah Wilder, who immediately took over CPR.
Oak Ridge Fire Department Engine 3 arrived shortly after to continue CPR and provide advanced life support, including medication.
Honored from that department were Courtney McCarter, Chad Linthicum, AEMT Anthony Lopez and paramedic Brian Gliedt. Sweet also recognized ORFD AEMT Joe Campbell, who was not present.
At approximately 5:50 p.m., ACEMS Medic 5 arrived to assist with advanced life support, including a chest compression device, cardiac arrest medications and four defibrillations.
ACEMS personnel honored were advanced paramedic Devon Burnett and AEMT Amber Dalton.
After the fourth defibrillation, Helton regained a pulse and began breathing on his own before arriving at the hospital.
