Maddux Childs doesn’t remember much of his last trip to Ocean City in August 2023. But he returned on Thursday to thank first responders for saving his life.
He was 18 years old last year and visiting Ocean City with his family from Gilbertsville, Pa., as he does every summer. Running from the Boardwalk at Second Street, Childs collapsed and lost consciousness. Family members came to his side, and a neighbor called 911 to report what appeared to be a seizure.
Ocean City Fire Department engine and ambulance crews were dispatched and immediately determined that Childs had no pulse and was not breathing. They administered multiple rounds of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) and Lucas compression device to help regain a pulse. Childs was then transferred to the care of AtlantiCare paramedics and transferred to the hospital.
Fire Chief Bernie Walker called it a great example of a successful response — with quick dispatch and early recognition of cardiac arrest, even though that is rare for somebody so young and physically fit.
Childs remained unconscious for several days in hospital care but ultimately made a full recovery with the help of a pacemaker. His parents, Scott and Shannon, said they have done a lot of research about their son’s collapse and condition, and they fully appreciate the importance of the rapid emergency response in saving their son’s life.
“It’s good to be coherent and see you guys,” Maddux told the first responders who revived him. He thanked them and God for allowing him to be there.
“I already appreciated life, but now I really do,” he said.
