Lawrenceville, Ga. (February 6, 2025) – Piedmont Eastside Medical Center is proud to announce that Medic Crew 30 and Engine 28 of Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services have been recognized for their actions when responding to a 9-1-1 call about a gentleman having a fatal heart attack at the gym. Crews were dispatched to the scene, where a 61-year-old male explained he was having chest pain. Upon taking his blood pressure, they told him  he was actively having a major heart attack. As crews were en route to the hospital, his blood pressure spiked even further, and caused the patient to go into fibrillation. The team had to emergently initiate CPR, defibrillation, and intubation, all prior to going into the catheterization lab at Piedmont Eastside. There is where Piedmont Eastside found he had a 100-percent blockage of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery or widow-maker heart attack. 

When this major artery is blocked, the heart can stop very fast, making it fatal— which is why this type of heart attack is called a “widow-maker". The patient was able to successfully have a stent placed and was able to go home to family the following day. He was extremely grateful to all teams involved and is now enrolled in cardiac rehab classes to help manage his heart health.

“Gwinnett County first responders' line of work is often a thankless job, and we want to make the community aware of local heroes and all they do to make Gwinnett County a better and safer place," said Piedmont Eastside CEO, Larry Ebert.

Piedmont Eastside leaders recognized the crews by honoring them with posters and awards, deeming them "First Friday Heroes".