More than a dozen emergency workers were recognized last week for making a difference in the lives of Dawson County residents in life threatening medical distress.

Each of the individuals honored at last week's county commission meeting "contributed to save a cardiac patient," said Dawson County Emergency Services Chief Lanier Swafford.

According to national statistics, of the 350,000 patients who suffer cardiac arrest each year, only 8 percent survive arrival to the emergency room, while 4 percent survive hospital discharge.

Each of the four cardiac arrest patients treated and transported to area hospitals by those awarded were later released after successful treatment.

"In several letters, we've received from ... a cardiologist with Northeast Georgia Medical Center," Swafford said, "these crews meet, excel and improve the outcome of these patients."

A 54-year-old patient rushed to Northside Forsyth Hospital in mid-May and diagnosed with a 99 percent arterial blockage also credits Dawson County Emergency Services with saving his life, Swafford said.

Established three years ago, departmental Merit Awards are given at various times throughout the year to team members who go above and beyond the call of duty to save lives.