First Repsponders Awarded for Saving Man's Life

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- It was June 23rd, 2025. John Beaty and his wife were driving home from a long weekend in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary when John went into cardiac arrest. He was driving – in the HOV lane of I-45 North near The Woodlands. His wife frantically tried to wake him up but discovered he was unconscious. She jumped into action, crawling over him to gain control and pull the vehicle over to the side. Amazingly, she was able to avoid a crash.

A bystander, who has not been identified, ran over to the vehicle and began CPR as his wife spoke to a MCHD 911 dispatcher. Oak Ridge North Police and Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies arrived minutes later and took over CPR until MCHD paramedics and firefighters arrived. It was truly an all-hands-on-deck situation. Paramedics applied a cardiac monitor to his chest and delivered shocks, inserted a breathing tube and gave medications to put his heart back in a normal rhythm. As the paramedics loaded him into the ambulance, his heart stopped again. They worked tirelessly to start his heart once again. By the time they began transport to the hospital, John was fighting them – which was a great sign of his amazing recovery to come.

It has been less than five months since the Beatys experienced this traumatic day. During a reunion and awards ceremony this week, John showed gratitude to the first responders who gave him a second chance at life. He is now paying attention to the little things and appreciating quiet moments with his wife.

“I can’t find the words to express how grateful I am to all of you,” John said. “Because of you, all of you who saved my life, we’ll have more coffees and more sunsets.”

MCHD would like to thank all of the first responders involved in Mr. Beaty’s care:

MCHD Paramedics

District Chief Jeffrey Harris

In-Charge Paramedic Matthew Gronda

Attendant Paramedic Taylor Kershaw

MCHD 911 Dispatch Center

ALARM Call Taker Eric Perry

South Montgomery County Fire Department

Noah Miller

Jose Contreras

Travis Forrest

Jequan Dwellingham

Erick Lopez

Chris Watson

Ryan Speights

Curtis Pratt

Zachery Mertz

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Deputy Christopher Kelley

Deputy Luis Betancourt

Oak Ridge North Police Department

Sgt. Kelly Kennerly

Sgt. Ralph E. Craig III

Montgomery County Hospital District’s mission is to care for the indigent and provide EMS services while protecting the interest of taxpayers and ensuring long-term stability through fund development. For more information about the Montgomery County Hospital District, please go to www.mchd-tx.org.