A second chance at life: Cardiac arrest survivor thanks Spartanburg EMS crew 

When Elen Shipman recently reunited with the Spartanburg EMS crew that helped save her life, the visit was filled with hugs, smiles and heartfelt gratitude. 

Shipman suffered a massive cardiac event that led to a heart attack at her home. Her condition was critical, and for several minutes she showed no signs of life. Thanks to the fast actions of Spartanburg EMS crew members, she was revived and transported to Spartanburg Medical Center, where she began a long road to recovery. 

Today, Shipman is back home, has completed physical therapy and is focused on rebuilding her strength. Looking back, she remembers experiencing increasing shortness of breath and what she initially thought were panic attacks. Later, doctors determined fluid buildup had placed severe stress on her body and heart. 

“I thought, ‘This is it,’” Shipman said. "Then you wake up in a hospital, and everything feels different." 

During her recovery, members of the EMS team visited her in the hospital and then Shipman paid a visit to the EMS station to offer her unwavering appreciation. 

"The first smile I saw was when Brandon came to see me," she said. "He brightened my day." 

EMTs Brandon Banks, Jennifer Lindman and Daria Krohmal were first on the scene alongside paramedic and assistant supervisor Zach Hubbard. 

Shipman credits the entire EMS crew for giving her what she calls a "second chance at life." During their recent reunion, she repeatedly thanked the team members who performed CPR, managed her airway and coordinated her care during the emergency. 

The EMS crew was quick to share the credit. 

"We couldn't have done it without each other," Banks said. "Everybody played a role. And our reward is seeing how well she is doing now.” 

The reunion included photos, laughter and stories from the day that changed Shipman's life forever. While she jokingly called one paramedic "Brandon, the hero," the crew reminded her that saving lives is always a team effort. 

For Shipman, however, the outcome is simple. 

"I couldn't have done it without y'all," she told the team. "I really couldn't have." 

Now surrounded by family and continuing her recovery, Shipman is grateful for every new day. And thanks to the skill, teamwork and compassion of Spartanburg EMS, she can keep making memories with the people she loves. 

"It's like a miracle," Shipman said. "A second chance at life." 

To learn more about careers with Spartanburg EMS or to apply for the EMT academy, visit SpartanburgEMS.org.