Columbus fire and EMS crew named First Friday Heroes for saving woman having stroke

Columbus, Ga. (August 7, 2026) — Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Declan McCahan, TyReese McNeese, John Freiberg, Zachary Kelley and Dylon Watson with Columbus Fire and EMS the organization’s First Friday Heroes® for the month of August.

After returning home from running errands, a woman wasn’t feeling well and told her friend to dial 911. While waiting for EMS, the woman lost the ability to speak and developed a facial droop. Because the stretcher could not fit through the home, the fire and EMS crew safely maneuvered her out of the house using a rolling office chair. As they loaded her onto the stretcher, they recognized her condition was changing— she had developed a gazed look in her eyes and right sided weakness to her body, raising concern for a large vessel occlusion (a severe type of stroke). Recognizing the severity of the situation, the crew immediately notified the Piedmont Columbus Midtown Emergency Trauma Center they were en route and provided a thorough report.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was quickly transported to the Interventional Radiology suite, where the clot was successfully removed from her brain less than two hours from her last known well time. Just 24 hours later, she was released from the hospital without any effects from the stroke. This incredible outcome began with the actions of this Columbus Fire and EMS crew.

“Their rapid recognition of a severe stroke, ability to adapt to a challenging environment without delaying transport and timely pre-hospital notification set this patient up for success, said Piedmont Columbus stroke program manager Meagan Rhames. “Their clinical expertise, quick thinking and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care directly contributed to a life-changing outcome.”

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke saves lives

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. It's important to "BE FAST" as early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and speeding up recovery time:

• B: Balance— watch for dizziness or loss of balance
• E: Eyes— check for vision loss or double vision
• F: Face— look for an uneven smile
• A: Arm— check if one arm is weak
• S: Speech— listen for slurred speech
• T: Time— call 911 at the first sign of a stoke

A ceremony will be held on August 10 at 8 a.m. at Fire Station 6 to commend them for their response. They’ll receive a stroke care challenge coin, certificate of achievement and a commemorative poster. Their story is also featured throughout the hospital and on the Piedmont Columbus Facebook page.

Piedmont Columbus created the First Friday Hero program in 2016 to recognize first responders and everyday heroes each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations are accepted year-round. Go to Piedmont.org/FirstFridayHero to make a submission.

“Their line of work is often a thankless job, and we want to make the community aware of what our local heroes do to make the Chattahoochee Valley a safer place,” said Piedmont Columbus CEO Scott Hill.