Cardiac arrest survivor reunites with first responders who saved her life
CHICAGO (WGN) — Hundreds gathered Wednesday morning at Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy to honor Chicago firefighters, EMTs and 911 dispatchers at an awards ceremony.
The ceremony was part of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week, a nationwide celebration of the lifesaving work of emergency medical personnel.
One guest who felt especially lucky to be in attendance was Chicagoan Cara Frank, who came face-to-face with the team of EMTs who saved her life.
On the evening of July 22, 2024, Frank experienced a seizure and went into cardiac arrest. Once EMTs arrived, they secured an airway and applied a defibrillator, but the AED did not administer a shock. A second emergency was able to stabilize the wife and mother.
Frank, through tears, expressed gratitude to the people who saved her life.
'Thank you for letting me still be here,' she said. 'Just thank you.'
She then turned away from the podium and gave each of the emergency responders a hug.
The theme for EMS Week 2025 is 'We Care. For Everyone.'
'This week is a time to recognize and thank the Chicago Fire Department Paramedics & EMT's professionals who provide critical care to Chicago,' according to the Chicago Fire Department Foundation.
President Gerald Ford started EMS week in 1974 to celebrate the lifesaving work of emergency personnel.
Such lifesaving work ensured Frank, who now lives with a pacemaker, can still be around for her husband, children and family.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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