"We were able to get our first family photo, and it was a photo I didn't think we'd be able to have, that day," Tara Fields said. Wochit
Ian Fields, his wife and 9-month-old daughter made their way to Mesa Fire Station 202 with food, treats and hugs on Christmas morning.
The holidays are a time for giving back, and for being grateful. And Fields and his family had a big thank you for the Mesa Fire Department team that saved his life.
Fields, 39, his wife, Tara, and their daughter, 9-month-old Ava, were joined by every one of the first responders — paramedics, EMTs, firefighters and a police officer — who helped Fields see another day.
On the morning of Nov. 5, Ian went into a room to pick up Ava out of her crib. Ian said he can't remember what happened after that.
Tara was in the next room where she heard a thud. She hurried in and found her daughter on the ground and Ian beside her making an unusual gasping sound, Tara said.
Saving a life
Mesa firefighter Brian Darling said firefighters responded to a call of what initially seemed to be a seizure but when they arrived, they discovered that Ian's heart had stopped beating. And it apparently hadn't been beating for approximately five minutes by the time they arrived.
Paramedics were able to revive him before he arrived at the hospital.
Darling explained that once medics transport patients to a hospital, they usually don't hear back on their status again. Darling and his fire crew made a stop by the Fields' house one day and were relieved to find out Ian was OK.
Fields was diagnosed with genetic hypertension, or high blood pressure. He had no idea of his condition and had no pain or other symptoms before his collapse.
"To see Mr. Fields walking, and holding his child, and here with his wife is the best Christmas gift I could ask for," Darling said.
As Tara held their daughter in her arms she gave a tear-filled thank-you to the first responders for helping her husband celebrate their first Christmas as a family.
"If it wasn't for these guys and ladies, here, I don't know where we would be today," she said. "We were able to get our first family photo, and it was a photo I didn't think we'd be able to have, that day. But because of you guys, I really believe that he came out being the way he is."
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