On March 4th, 2008, medics Alexandra Amaducci, Jason Harms, and Zack Sheingold were working on shift for Emory EMS. Around 14:30, Emory EMS was dispatched to a 911 call for a patient having an allergic reaction at one of the health centers. The primary unit arrived at the scene in just under two minutes and found that the middle-aged Emory employee was having severe difficulty breathing accompanied by tongue swelling and hives covering her entire body.

"I have never seen a patient with such obvious symptoms of anaphylaxis," said Jason Harms, the Supervisor that day. Amaducci, the senior medic on duty, remarked that the patient did not have a prescribed Epi-Pen™ for her severe allergy to fish. The patient apparently had a salad containing fish byproducts and began to feel symptoms shortly after lunch.

Amaducci, quickly recognizing the acuity of the patient’s condition, placed the patient on high flow oxygen and administered a shot of epinephrine to the patient’s thigh. Within minutes, the patient’s difficulty breathing had subsided and the swelling in her tongue decreased.

The patient survived, thanks to the quick response of Emory EMS medics and the high quality patient care delivered.

"This type of incident truly highlights the mission of Emory EMS and the vital service we provide to the community," said Josh Rozell, Chief of Emory EMS. "If we had arrived a few minutes later, the patient could have likely died."

Rozell can relate to this type of situation, as he is highly allergic to peanuts and carries an Epi-Pen™ at all times. "Luckily, I’ve never had to use mine, but anyone who is highly allergic needs to be as careful as they can," he commented.

Dara Spector, EMS Director and Captain Ray Edge, Police Deputy Chief and EMS Administrator commended the Emory EMS medics, saying that "our medics make a difference in the Emory community every day." Emory EMS Medical Director, Dr. Eric Ossmann echoed their sentiments, commenting that "this call drives home the need for Emory’s EMS unit and the fact that they can deliver quality emergency care in a timely manner."

"I’m just relieved we were able to arrive in time," Amaducci said. "After all, that’s what we’re here for."