OCALA, FL. (352Today) – Two Ocala Fire Rescue paramedics were formally recognized this week for their decisive actions that contributed to the full recovery of a cardiac arrest patient in July.
Firefighter/Paramedics John Sweeney and Eduardo Ignacio-Simon, both assigned to Rescue 3, were awarded Life Saving Awards by Ocala Fire Rescue following an emergency response on July 10, 2025, in the 300 block of SE 17th Street.
According to a statement from the department, the rescue team responded to a cardiac arrest call involving a patient found on the ground, with a bystander and an additional unit already on scene. Upon arrival, Sweeney and Ignacio-Simon immediately joined ongoing life-saving efforts.
Their contributions included the use of a defibrillator and the deployment of a LUCAS device, a mechanical system designed to deliver consistent chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These combined efforts were credited with reviving the patient and leading to a full recovery without neurological deficiencies — an outcome considered rare in cardiac arrest cases.
The Life Saving Awards were presented in collaboration with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, which initiated the recognition after learning of the patient’s successful recovery. Hospital officials reached out to Ocala Fire Rescue to help identify the medics involved and formally acknowledge their role.
The use of mechanical CPR devices like the LUCAS system is increasingly standard in high-risk cardiac events, but it remains dependent on the expertise and rapid assessment of trained paramedics. In this case, Sweeney and Ignacio-Simon’s judgment and execution played a critical role in preserving both life and quality of life for the patient.
Both firefighters were presented with certificates that document their role in saving a life — a distinction reserved for responses that directly contribute to a patient’s survival.