Augusta, Ga. (May 5, 2026) – Piedmont Augusta has named Michael Yamarino and Christopher Wahman of Columbia County Fire Rescue and Lawrence Lloyd and Tyler Scarbary of Gold Cross EMS as its First Friday Heroes for the month of May.
The recognition follows a recent emergency response involving a 70-year-old man who developed chest pain while working in his yard. Columbia County Fire Rescue arrived within 10 minutes of the 911 call and recognized a STEMI within five minutes of reaching the patient’s home. An EKG was immediately transmitted to Piedmont Augusta, prompting early activation of the hospital’s STEMI protocol. Gold Cross EMS arrived shortly after and assisted with rapid transport of the patient from a remote area of Columbia County to Piedmont Augusta, approximately 23 miles away.
Gold Cross EMS continued care during transport, establishing a second IV line to ensure the patient was prepared for cardiac catheterization. The crew closely monitored him for life-threatening arrhythmias and administered a controlled medication drip to manage his pain, which visibly improved his condition. They also confirmed the STEMI activation with Piedmont Augusta, providing updated patient status and an estimated time of arrival. Upon reaching the emergency department, the teams ensured a seamless transition of care from EMS to hospital staff.
Because of the early EKG transmission and coordinated response, Piedmont Augusta’s after-hours cardiac catheterization team was able to mobilize before the patient arrived. A 100% blockage of the left anterior descending artery, often referred to as the “widowmaker,” was opened within 27 minutes of the patient’s arrival. The first medical contact to reperfusion time was 68 minutes, well below the American College of Cardiology’s benchmark of 90 minutes. The patient experienced minimal heart damage and was discharged home less than 48 hours after arriving at the emergency department.
A ceremony honoring the four responders was held last week with hospital leadership. Each received a commemorative plaque recognizing their exceptional teamwork and service.
Piedmont Augusta launched the First Friday Hero program to recognize first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty. “The first responders in the CSRA are all truly heroes,” said Lily Henson, CEO of Piedmont Augusta. “Their work is often dangerous and thankless, and we want our community to understand the critical role they play in saving lives every day.”
To nominate a CSRA first responder for the Piedmont Augusta First Friday Hero award, email firstfridayheroaugusta@piedmont.org. Nominations should include your name and contact information, the nominee’s name and agency, and a brief summary of why he or she should be considered.
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