Johnson County, TX — CareFlite is proud to recognize the extraordinary actions of its own medical flight and ground crew, alongside the heroic efforts of Johnson County ESD No. 1 and the Joshua Fire Department, in the life-saving rescue of a 1-year-old drowning victim in Joshua, Texas, on April 22, 2025.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the 600 block of Johnathan Court following reports of a pediatric drowning. First responders arrived swiftly to find CPR in progress on a child who had not yet regained a pulse. Thanks to rapid and coordinated efforts at the scene, a pulse was successfully restored—a critical turning point in the rescue.
CareFlite’s helicopter team was activated immediately and met the patient at a nearby landing zone. There, our highly trained flight crew took over care, securing the airway and stabilizing the child before rapid transport to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Following specialized treatment, the child was released from the hospital and is now expected to make a full recovery.
This powerful outcome would not have been possible without the precision, dedication, and clinical expertise of all teams involved. In recognition of their heroic actions, the Chisholm Trail 100 Club has awarded the Lifesaver Award to each individual responder, symbolized by a Life Saver Clock, lapel pin, and certificate—a tribute to the “gift of time” restored to the child and their family.
CareFlite is especially proud to honor the following team members:
- Rowdy Huffman, EMT-P Supervisor
- Melford Slack, EMT-P Supervisor
- Jeff Lemmer, EMT-P
- Nate Esch, EMT
- David Ledbetter, Flight Nurse
- Herb Corlew, Flight Paramedic
- Martin Karpowicz, Pilot
These professionals exemplify CareFlite’s mission of providing the highest standard of care, whether in the air or on the ground. Their quick thinking, skilled intervention, and calm under pressure helped save a young life, and we are deeply proud of their performance and dedication.
Also honored were first responders from:
Johnson County ESD No. 1
- Joey Caruso, Firefighter/EMT
- Justin Clanton, Firefighter/EMT
- Matthew Ayala, Firefighter/Paramedic
Joshua Fire Department
- Jay W. White, Fire Chief/Paramedic
CareFlite extends its gratitude to the Chisholm Trail 100 Club for recognizing the incredible efforts of these first responders and for their ongoing support of those who serve our communities.
Contact:
Kellee Wright
Director of Communications
(214)263-1033