RICHLANDS, Va. -The Richlands Police Department recently received training in an EMS-First Responder Program. Two short weeks after completing the program, a call for help was received.
Small but mighty four-month-old Ellie Horn was struggling to breathe. Her mom, who is a nurse, recognized the severity of the situation and began CPR while her husband called 911.
In minutes, Officer Seth Freeman, a licensed paramedic, and Sergeant Aaron Haywood were with Ellie and her parents and took over live-saving measures.
“These guys, the PD officers, were on scene within two minutes of the call. The EMS unit just shortly thereafter, probably three minutes later, so within two minutes they had somebody trained on scene with the equipment to start providing emergency care,” Mike Whited, EMS Director and Fire Captain for Richlands Fire and Rescue.
Ellie’s parents say how thankful they are to have their local police officers equipped with these crucial skills.
“If the resources hadn’t been implemented into the police station here and the county, you know, the rest of the towns surrounding Richlands, you know, who, who knows, we would probably, most likely wouldn’t have our baby here today,” said Jeremy Horn, Father of Ellie. While the path has not been easy for Ellie’s recovery from the dangerous incident and her parents are being told it is going to be a long road, they know God has a plan for little Ellie.“We’re just so blessed. God has really blessed us. He’s turned this trial into a testimony. Because this has been so hard. It has been the worst thing seeing your child go through this,” said Emilee Horn, Mother of Ellie. Ellie now has new uncles from the Richlands Police Department in her life and incredibly thankful for what they describe as a miracle.
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