‘I’m Alive Because of You’: A Cardiac Arrest Survivor’s Reunion With Team That Saved His Life

In a cardiac emergency, every second counts. At Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hazleton, part of Jefferson Health, those seconds — and the coordinated actions of EMS and hospital teams — made all the difference.

On Feb. 11, 2026, cardiac arrest survivor Brandon Babbish returned to the hospital to reunite with the EMS professionals and caregivers whose swift response saved his life. The gathering was both a celebration of survival and a powerful reminder of the impact of teamwork, preparation and early recognition.

“I am grateful for the teams’ efforts,” Babbish says. “I have never experienced anything like this before or even imagined what goes on during a situation like this. The teams are very professional and took great care of me.”

The story began December 20, 2025, when Babbish experienced chest pain and was driven to LVH–Hazleton by his partner, Lori Menighan. Upon arrival, Lori noticed two EMS personnel in the parking lot and immediately asked for help.

The EMS team, technical partner Marcus Ross and Gia Zola, RN, quickly recognized the seriousness of the situation. Working together, Zola began lifesaving CPR as they rushed Babbish inside for immediate care.

Once inside the emergency department, Tina Stemko, RN, and the team stabilized Babbish so he could be flown to LVH–Cedar Crest for advanced cardiac care.

“When every second matters, you rely on your training and act without hesitation,” Zola says. “That’s what saves lives.”

This seamless coordination across teams ensured Babbish received the right care at the right time.

At LVH–Cedar Crest, part of Jefferson Health, cardiologist Shailendra Singh, MD, discovered Babbish had a critical 99% coronary artery blockage. Without rapid treatment, blockages of this severity can be fatal.

Because of the swift, coordinated response across EMS, emergency medicine and cardiology, Babbish survived.

Dr. Singh says, “Brandon is here today because of rapid recognition and extraordinary teamwork between the teams at Hazleton and Cedar Crest. He arrived in critical condition, and the coordinated efforts to stabilize him and transfer him quickly allowed us to treat a 99% blockage in the ‘widowmaker’ artery of his heart. Clearing that artery restored blood flow and gave him a second chance at life. Thankfully, because of everyone’s swift action, his heart function remarkably returned to normal. His story is a powerful reminder to listen to your body, seek medical attention early, and stay consistent with routine wellness visits — those actions truly save lives.”

Babbish was discharged just four days later, returning home in time for the holidays and his 49th birthday. Prior to the incident, he had no known health issues.

The February reunion brought together Babbish, LVHN EMS personnel Kim and Kevin Doran, Gia Zola, RN, Tina Stemko, RN, Amanda Yanisch, LVHN MedEvac nurse, and Kira Weaver, DO, medical director, emergency department.

The event highlighted the lifesaving impact of early recognition of cardiac warning signs, rapid intervention and collaboration across care teams.

For the caregivers involved, it was a reminder of why preparation and teamwork matter. For Babbish, it was an opportunity to say thank you — to the people whose quick actions gave him a second chance at life.

Stories like this reflect Jefferson Health’s commitment to delivering high-quality, coordinated care when it matters most — because in critical moments, teamwork saves lives.