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From left to right: Karl Swanson, volunteer firefighter, Southwest Fire & Rescue (SWF&R); Katharina Larson, Paramedic, Klickitat County EMS District 1; Ben Schneider, volunteer firefighter, SWF&R; Melissa Poland; Chris Poland; Jess Wardwell, captain and EMT, SWF&R; Carl Spratt, chief and EMT, Bingen Fire; and Dave Swann, volunteer firefighter, SWF&R.
From left to right: Karl Swanson, volunteer firefighter, Southwest Fire & Rescue (SWF&R); Katharina Larson, Paramedic, Klickitat County EMS District 1; Ben Schneider, volunteer firefighter, SWF&R; Melissa Poland; Chris Poland; Jess Wardwell, captain and EMT, SWF&R; Carl Spratt, chief and EMT, Bingen Fire; and Dave Swann, volunteer firefighter, SWF&R.
KLICKITAT CO. — Saving someone in cardiac arrest is rare, making Chris Poland’s story nothing short of miraculous.
On June 1, 2024, Poland began feeling weak, with a dull ache in his chest. By the second day, he was convinced it was just heartburn. On the third day, he felt flu-like symptoms — nausea and chest tightness. Believing he had contracted COVID-19, Poland decided to leave work early.
His wife, Melissa, ran to the store to buy Tylenol. Looking back, she is grateful she didn’t stop to chat with anyone, as the outcome could have been devastating. Upon returning home, she went straight to the bedroom with Tylenol and a thermometer — just in time to see her husband’s eyes roll back as he collapsed.
Acting quickly, she called 911, where Communications Officer Caroline Knopes guided her through performing CPR. Within minutes, volunteer firefighter Karl Swanson and Captain Jess Wardwell, an Emergency Medical Technicians from Klickitat County EMS District 1 (SWRF&R), arrived. They moved Chris to the floor and continued CPR until Klickitat County EMS Paramedic Katharina Larson and EMT Trevor Keith arrived. More volunteer firefighters and EMTs from Bingen Fire Department and SWRF&R soon followed.
Chris and Melissa Poland visited Klickitat County EMS District 1 to thank staff for saving Chris' life after the 55-year-old suffered a heart attack.
Contributed photo
The teams worked tirelessly. After three shocks, Poland’s heart finally converted out of fibrillation, allowing the medications administered by Larson to help regulate his heartbeat. He was transported to Skyline Hospital for stabilization before being airlifted to Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland.
Poland regained consciousness three days later, unaware he had suffered cardiac arrest. Doctors removed a clot, cleared the blockage, and placed two stents in his heart.
On Jan. 21, the Polands visited KCEMS, where volunteer EMTs were training on cardiac emergencies. They personally thanked those who saved Chris Poland’s life and shared an important message: Genetics play a significant role in cardiovascular disease. They also stressed that chest pain isn’t always what you expect.
Poland, 55, is active, maintains a healthy diet, doesn’t smoke or drink, isn’t diabetic, and has always had good cholesterol levels. Because of these factors, he believed he was safe from a cardiac event. However, he didn’t consider his family history. He inherited a genetic condition from his father and grandfather that prevents his body from properly regulating plaque buildup in his arteries. Over time, his coronary arteries narrowed due to plaque accumulation. A piece of unstable plaque broke off, triggering a blood clot that blocked his left anterior descending (LAD) artery — the heart’s largest artery. A blockage in this artery, often called “The Widow Maker,” is frequently fatal.
According to the American Heart Association, fewer than 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive. Early CPR and defibrillation significantly increase the chances of survival.
Chris and Melissa Poland visited Klickitat County EMS District 1 to thank staff for saving Chris' life after the 55-year-old suffered a heart attack.
Contributed photo
Looking back, the Polands recognize his persistent fatigue in the months leading up to the event was a warning sign. If he hadn’t been so healthy, Poland might have suffered cardiac arrest even earlier. They urge others with a family history of cardiovascular disease to get regular checkups — because early detection can save lives.
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