OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Members of the Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) team reunited with a stroke survivor they assisted during a medical emergency.

52-year-old Opel Arroyave embraced Paramedic Vinny Giammanco, Paramedic Kaylee Bradley, and EMT Edward Kenny, all of whom had a hand in saving her life.

On September 10, 2024, the three MCFR members were dispatched to a medical emergency. The 911 caller had informed dispatch that her mother, Arroyave, was experiencing a stroke.

|LOCAL SPORTS: Get into the swing of things and kick off your day with our sports section

MCFR arrived at 10:52 a.m., six minutes after dispatch. When they arrived, Giammanco, Bradley, and Kenny assessed the situation and called a stroke alert.

An MCFR emergency vehicle transported Arroyave to AdventHealth Ocala, where the hospital’s medical team provided treatment.

Opel Arroyave embraces the Marion County Fire Rescue team that helped save her life following a stroke
Courtesy: MCFR
Opel Arroyave embraces the Marion County Fire Rescue team that helped save her life following a stroke
Courtesy: MCFR
Opel Arroyave embraces the Marion County Fire Rescue team that helped save her life following a stroke
Courtesy: MCFR
Opel Arroyave embraces the Marion County Fire Rescue team that helped save her life following a stroke
Courtesy: MCFR

MCFR says Arroyave has been “thriving” since the incident.

On Friday, Feb. 28, Arroyave reunited with the MCFR rescuers and AdventHealth Ocala medical professionals who assisted in her care.

Arroyave personally thanked each first responder and medical provider involved in her treatment and recovery.

“This reunion is a testament to the power of teamwork, rapid response, and advanced medical care,” wrote MCFR on social media. “It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.”

More news that matters to you…