Family thanks first responders for saving student's life

ROSENBERG, TX (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County EMS kicked off their "Survivors' Wall" on January 8 by meeting with a family who says an emergency crew's quick response saved their child's life.

"This is the best Christmas gift I could have gotten; you have my son's life for Christmas." said Ronald Armstead Sr.

Ronald Armstead Jr. was playing basketball around a month ago at Lamar Junior High when he suddenly collapsed on the floor.

His basketball coaches rushed over and found the 12-year-old not breathing and without a pulse.

Dennis Fyke and Michael Kohler began administering CPR and directed another person to call 911.

A Rosenberg Police Department operator quickly dispatched crews after receiving the call.

Firefighters arrived and immediately attached Ronald to an automated external defibrillator. They continued CPR until Fort Bend County EMS Paramedics arrived.

When paramedics arrived they found Ronald had a weak pulse, initiated advanced life support measures and eventually rushed Ronald to the hospital.

Fort Bend County Health and Human services said he survived this potentially fatal event to the quick actions of the Lamar Junior High basketball coaches, Rosenberg Fire Department and Fort Bend County EMS.

Here are the American Heart Association Five steps of the Chain of Survival:

1. Cardiac arrest is immediately recognized and emergency response system is activated.

2. Early CPR is started.

3. Rapid defibrillation occurs with an AED.

4. Effective advanced life support is begun.

5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care is provided.