4-18-2025 9:55pm

Local First Responders Recognized for Outstanding Stroke Care

Beth Callahan Editor

(Contributed Photo) Pictured above is the Hamilton Township Fire Department Crew and a picture of the Exceptional Care Coin, which they received.

Story and photo courtesy of Mercy Health

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- On April 15, 2025, four Hamilton Township Fire Department members were honored with the prestigious Mercy Health Exceptional Care Award for their excellent response and care during a critical stroke emergency. The recognition ceremony occurred at Mercy Health—Kings Mills Hospital, where the crew received special challenge coins commemorating their life-saving efforts.

The honored crew members include Lieutenant Jason Brown, Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Bedinghouse, Firefighter/EMT Austin Boraten, and Firefighter/EMT Jacob Emenaker. They were recognized for their swift, skillful response to a stroke emergency on March 31, 2025, which directly contributed to saving a patient's life and preserving her quality of life.

Jim McGrath, Coordinator of Emergency Services at Mercy Health–Kings Mills Hospital, presented the awards alongside Heather Mills, nursing manager.

"What distinguished this team's response was not just their speed, but their thorough assessment, decision-making, and proper documentation," explained McGrath. "Their actions demonstrate the highest standards of emergency medical care."

The incident involved a female patient experiencing left-side weakness. The crew performed a comprehensive stroke assessment, quickly recognized the symptoms, established IV access, performed necessary diagnostic tests, and expedited transport to Mercy Health–Kings Mills Hospital with a pre-hospital stroke alert. Their quick actions enabled the hospital team to administer life-saving thrombolytic treatment promptly.

"The patient was discharged home just two days later with full use of all her faculties," noted Mills. "This outcome is exactly why we established the Exceptional Care Award – to recognize those who go above and beyond in providing extraordinary care."

The Mercy Health Exceptional Care Award was established in early 2024 to recognize emergency responders who provide extraordinary care to patients experiencing acute strokes or heart attacks requiring emergency interventions. Recipients must meet strict criteria, including rapid response times, proper symptom identification, thorough assessments, and complete documentation.

The challenge coins presented to the crew represent a long tradition dating back to World War I, symbolizing unity, achievement, and shared commitment to service.