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EMS Director Shannon Griffin honored first responders whose quick thinking, training and team work made difference between life and death.
Video by Kim Miles
December 23, 2025
First responders honored for life-saving actions
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
On April 16, 71-year-old Berlin Baker was attending a barbecue, and suddenly went into cardiac arrest, sustaining a head injury after falling down. Bystanders were instructed by Bandera County dispatch to initiate CPR after his pulse was not detected.
Upon their arrival, EMS and Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue first responders continued CPR and administered life-saving medications.
Certificates of recognition were presented to the first responders, as well as Phoenix pins - which symbolize rebirth, resilience and life restored from the brink of death - representing both the patient who survived and the individuals who brought him back.
“Lives are not saved by a single action or a single person, they are saved by teams working together,” Griffin said.
Baker was hospitalized for two weeks, making a full recovery, and was present during today’s presentation.
Upon their arrival, EMS and Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue first responders continued CPR and administered life-saving medications.
Certificates of recognition were presented to the first responders, as well as Phoenix pins - which symbolize rebirth, resilience and life restored from the brink of death - representing both the patient who survived and the individuals who brought him back.
“Lives are not saved by a single action or a single person, they are saved by teams working together,” Griffin said.
Baker was hospitalized for two weeks, making a full recovery, and was present during today’s presentation.