Laura and Erik Graham won’t ever forget June 6, 2022.

That’s when a frayed electrical cord inadvertently fell into the pool where their three children were swimming. All three were electrocuted, and five-year-old Radnor became unresponsive in the water.

Erik, a nurse, quickly sprang into action, grabbing his son out of the pool — receiving an electrical shock himself — and administering life-saving CPR to his youngest son, the only child in cardiac arrest. Eleven-year-old Fennmore called 911.

Through the efforts of his father and a team of first responders, Radnor began to breathe. Multiple agencies responded to the call, including members of the Williamson Health EMS, Williamson County Department of Emergency Communications (911), Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, Williamson County Fire/Rescue (previously called the Williamson County Rescue Squad) and Williamson Fire-Rescue.

“We are so incredibly grateful to live in Williamson County, which I now know works tirelessly to create a seamless response when residents make 911 calls,” Laura, the children’s mother, said.  “Each of the people who responded to our call — and even the people behind the scenes organizing our various responders — has forever changed our lives. Every birthday, holiday, Mother’s Day, every milestone, I think of them and how unbearable my life would have been without their intervention.”

In recognition of their actions to save Radnor’s life and care for his injured siblings, Williamson Health EMS and its partner agencies were honored with a 2023 EMS Star of Life award at the 15th annual Star of Life ceremony hosted by the Children’s Emergency Care Alliance (CECA TN) earlier this year. The Star of Life Award honors the accomplishments of first responders from all regions of Tennessee who provide exemplary life-saving care to adult and pediatric patients.

As the county’s primary 911 emergency medical provider, the Williamson Health EMS system employs nearly 200 AEMTs, paramedics, critical care paramedics and support personnel to deploy 18 advanced life support ambulances. This marks the fifth time Williamson Health EMS has received the honor.

“This recognition underscores the fact that Williamson Health EMS is one of the best in the state,” said Phil Phil Mazzuca, CEO of Williamson Health. “They provide innovative, high-quality comprehensive emergency care to our community. With their expertise, Williamson Health EMS and our partners across the county were able to act swiftly to save Radnor’s life.”

The team approach to handling emergency calls helps to ensure that Williamson County residents receive the highest level of care.

“The community benefits because the various agencies work together constantly to assess coverage in the community and provide input on ways to improve emergency response,” said Jill Burgin, external affairs officer for the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency. “With regular meetings and training, our county and city fire, law enforcement, EMS, EMA and emergency communications personnel understand the goal of providing excellent and immediate care to the community.”

Within seven minutes of Fennmore’s 911 call, first responders began to arrive at the Grahams’ home. Sheriff Deputy Wesley Crigger and the Williamson County Fire/Rescue took over compressions on Radnor, applying an AED and delivering a shock. Williamson Health EMS responders then placed a cardiac monitor and obtained an EKG. After these and other interventions, Radnor’s heart began to beat — a weak pulse, but a pulse nonetheless — and he was able to take a few breaths on his own.

Meanwhile, additional Williamson County first responders tended to Radnor’s siblings, Anna and Fennmore. Their injuries were less severe but still required attention. All three children were quickly transported to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Anna and Fennmore are now fully recovered, and Radnor continues to improve.

Michael Wallace, CCPM, Chief of Williamson Health EMS, expressed his team’s deep appreciation for collaborating with other agencies to assist the Graham family.

“In a critical moment, we had the privilege of providing timely intervention to prevent a potential tragedy for the Graham family,” Wallace stated. “Williamson Health EMS maintains strong, enduring partnerships with both city and county public safety departments in our community. This collaborative approach enables us to deliver comprehensive and efficient EMS services, particularly in emergency situations like this one. Working alongside our fellow first responders from Williamson County, it’s a privilege to offer our assistance and support to the Graham family during their most challenging time.”

“Our folks aren’t just doing a job,” Burgin said. “They really care about caring for their neighbors. The outcome for Radnor and his siblings is definitely the outcome we hope for.”

Laura is thankful for the agencies’ quick response.

“I am so grateful that the entire team of people who responded to our 911 call never gave up on Radnor,” Laura said. “They continued to work on my son, even when the situation seemed impossible, and that dedication led to our miracle.”