Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point Recognizes Son and EMS Crew for Heroic Pre-Hospital Life-Saving Efforts
LEHI, UT (December 19, 2025) – Adrian Ramirez of South Jordan has always been a patriotic soul, so it was only natural that he accepted an invitation to participate in a Ruck March on Veterans Day last month.
That morning, he joined friends and family members in Saratoga Springs, where they all donned heavy packs for a multi-mile march in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.
Three miles into the march, Adrian, 61, who is generally healthy, started feeling ill. A little farther on the march, he collapsed. His adopted son, Francisco, who is a U.S. Marine Corps vet, attended to his father and discovered that he had no pulse. He immediately started CPR, while the rest of the Ruck participants, many of whom are also military vets, jumped into action – calling 911, elevating Adrian’s feet to aid blood pressure, and creating shade for their downed friend.
Unified Fire and Lehi Fire responded to the scene, where they began treatment. An EKG revealed that Adrian was in cardiac arrest with a STEMI. They contacted Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point, which readied the team to care for Adrian when he arrived.
After a few minutes in the Emergency Department, he was rushed to the Cath Lab, where a stent was placed in his Left Anterior Descending artery, which was 95% blocked. That artery is called “the widowmaker” by medical professionals. Only about 7 percent of individuals who suffer cardiac arrest due to a blocked LAD survive.
The heart catheterization went well and Adrian responded to the procedure. After a day’s recovery, he was able to go home.
An emotional Adrian returned to Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point, where he was able to express his thanks to the EMS crew, hospital team, and his son, who all contributed to saving his life.
“If it wasn’t for people like you, I wouldn’t have had a shot. You guys are heroes, man. I literally owe you my life. Thank you. Bless you all,” he said to a room of 40 people who had come to celebrate his amazing outcome.
The hospital’s EMS liaison, Gavin Harris, presented Francisco and three EMS professionals with Great Save Awards last night.
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
