Reprinted with permission from the FASP Facebook page, March 5, 2025.

In the early hours of January 29th, Amy Domencic was awakened by an unfamiliar sound and quickly realized something was terribly wrong with her husband, Phil. Acting swiftly, she initiated the first link in the chain of survival by calling 911, reporting that her husband was in cardiac arrest. Their son, Simon, immediately began CPR while the Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services ensured the appropriate emergency units were dispatched without delay.

That morning, the emergency response system worked seamlessly to give Phil Domencic the best chance of survival. The call was dispatched as a Class 1 Echo response (life-threatening emergency) ensuring that the closest available unit responded immediately, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. Within six minutes of the 911 call, Ambulance 4-8 arrived on the scene, closely followed by Intermediate Ambulance 12-56 out of Palm City. Paramedic 12-1 responded from the Lebanon City Station, arriving 15 minutes from the time of the call.

Emergency crews worked efficiently to provide lifesaving interventions. Crews took over CPR from Simon Domencic, applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) and administered shocks, secured an airway, provided ventilation, and established IV access for cardiac arrest medications. Upon Medic 12-1’s arrival, Phil remained in cardiac arrest, prompting additional medication administration. Through the coordinated efforts of the responding teams, spontaneous circulation was restored. Phil was then transported to Hershey Medical Center for continued care.

Phil Domencic has since made a full recovery, and this morning, he reunited with the EMS crews who saved his life. His case is a powerful reminder of the critical role that early recognition, immediate CPR, and a well-coordinated emergency response play in saving lives.

This event underscores the importance of community CPR training, rapid emergency response, and seamless collaboration between emergency services agencies. Lebanon County residents are encouraged to learn CPR, as early intervention can make the difference between life and death.

For more information on CPR training and other educational opportunities, please visit our website at www.faspems.com.

Pictured from left to right: Paramedic Aaron Maidenford, AEMT Kimberly Bennethum, Amy Domencic, Phil Domencic, EMT Catherine Mutschler, and AEMT Benjamin LaVerdiere.