On the morning of June 11, 2025, 83-year-old Linda Simons of Holdrege was enjoying a quiet visit with her daughter, Robin, when everything changed. In mid-conversation, Linda suddenly went silent and became unresponsive. Robin later described it as her mother “just going to sleep and not waking up.” She immediately dialed 911. Within two minutes, first responders arrived at the home, a response time that would later prove lifesaving.
Phelps Memorial Health Center EMT Alex Brush and his partner, paramedic Alyssa Sich were the first to arrive. The detailed information Robin provided to the dispatcher helped prepare the team before they reached the scene. Alex and Alyssa quickly determined that Linda was in cardiac arrest.
Training, teamwork, and timing converged. Alex placed the LUCAS device to deliver high-quality, consistent chest compressions while Alyssa secured the airway and prepared life-saving medications. After two rounds of epinephrine and four minutes of CPR, they found a pulse.
For Alex, who has served in EMS for nearly 15 years, the moment was unforgettable. “I’ve used the LUCAS device many times in my career but never with a successful outcome until Linda,” he said. “To be part of the team that helped her survive, it warms my heart."
Linda was transported to the Phelps Memorial Emergency Department, where Ryan Lieska, PA, and the ER team were ready. Working seamlessly with EMS, they stabilized her and initiated the medical helicopter. Linda was life-flighted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, where she spent four days in a medical coma. In total, she spent 14 days hospitalized and received a pacemaker and defibrillator.
When Linda woke, she remembers overwhelming chest pain but also deep gratitude. Despite the intensity of CPR, she suffered no broken bones, something she calls “miracle after miracle.” She credits her survival to the rapid response from first responders and the coordinated care that followed.
Once home, Linda continued her recovery through Phelps Memorial Therapy and now receives ongoing heart care from Sadie Johnson, PA-C and Cheryl Klausen, APRN, at the Phelps Memorial Cardiology Clinic. “Timing is everything,” Linda said. “I wouldn’t have made it without how quickly they got to me. They saved my life.”
For PMHC EMS, Linda’s story reflects what Advanced Life Support truly means in moments that matter. “It wasn’t just ALS, it was a team that trusted each other,” Alex said. “From the police department to the volunteers to our team, everything worked like a well-oiled machine.”
EMS Leader Marlene Williams shared that while ALS involves advanced training, equipment, and medications, the heart of emergency care is teamwork. Volunteers, EMS, ER staff, and specialty providers all play a role in bringing patients full circle.
Months later, Linda had the opportunity to thank Alex in person when she presented him with the Nebraska Code Save Award, honoring responders whose CPR efforts result in survival. “You really deserve this,” she told him. “I’m a walking miracle. I’ll be grateful to you forever.” Alex replied simply, “I’ll never forget you either.”
Today, Linda continues to recover surrounded by family and supported by her care team. She sums up her experience simply, “From the minute I lost consciousness to the time I left the hospital, every part of it was a miracle.”
This is the full circle of care at Phelps Memorial Health Center, where preparation, teamwork, and compassion come together to save lives.
