By Noelle Alviz-Gransee
The Kansas City Star
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Some Overland Park firefighters are being recognized for an act of kindness, after they helped finish shoveling a driveway Tuesday morning after the homeowner collapsed from a cardiac arrest and had to be taken to the hospital.
First responders were called around 8:40 a.m. to the area of 105th Terrace and Pflumm Road after a man suffered a cardiac arrest while shoveling his driveway, fire officials said.
After the man was taken to the hospital, the Overland Park firefighters stuck around and helped finish the job, shoveling the rest of the driveway.
The act of kindness is not unusual for the group, according to Jason Rhodes, public information office for the Overland Park Fire Department.
“Our folks do a lot of acts of kindness like this on a regular basis, and usually it goes unnoticed. I think it’s just part of the culture for first responders,” Rhodes said. “Oftentimes, they’ll see a need or a way in which they can make a gesture to show they care.”
A man shoveling snow this morning suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. OPFD crews assisted @JoCoMedAct & @LenexaFire with treatment. Then, while the man was being transported to an area hospital, crews finished shoveling his driveway. #ServingWithCompassion pic.twitter.com/ZWw8ifHUKX
— Overland Park Fire Department (@OverlandParkFD) January 7, 2025
The condition of the man is not known, but the department said in a tweet they are hoping for the best.
Rhodes warns others planning on shoveling in the frigid temperatures that doing so can exacerbate underlying conditions and to not hesitate to ask for help.
“If you’re gonna shovel, just do so cautiously and take your time,” he said.
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