Paramedic's Rare Feat: One Month, 3 Saved In Cardiac Arrests

Bellevue Fire Department paramedic John Tetzlaff was honored last week for an unusual feat: last September he saved three people undergoing cardiac arrests in separate incidents. The notable milestone got him named the first recipient of the "Triple Crown Award." His recognition was presented to him last Thursday by King County EMS Director Jim Fogarty at St. Andrew’s Church in Bellevue.

The only previous instance of someone saving three patients undergoing cardiac arrest was also in King County, Fogarty said. That paramedic also will be awarded, he said.

Bellevue paramedics have a save rate of 53.5 percent, contributing to King County’s world’s best survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest, according to the Bellevue Fire Department.

Others recognized Thursday included Bellevue’s Fire and Police Chaplain, Mike Ryan, who saved another customer, Scott Packwood, when his heart stopped at a restaurant where they both happened to have lunch. And LA Fitness employee and Marysville firefighter Crystal Simpson, who saved patron Dave Levinson with a public access defibrillator at the Kelsey Creek LA Fitness in Bellevue where she works.