Cranberry EMS brings first responders, survivors together at annual Save-a-Life gathering
CRANBERRY TWP — A quiet July morning was met with tragedy when Megan Coulter collapsed in her Cranberry Township home from a stress-induced heart attack that sent her into cardiac arrest and multiple seizures.
“I don’t remember the event at all,” she said. “I was out of it.”
Her boyfriend, Shawn Richey, called 911 and began performing life-saving measures while awaiting assistance from first responders, who were dispatched and on the scene in 10 minutes.
After CPR and five shocks to her heart, Coulter was taken to a hospital, where she, fortunately, survived the ordeal.
Fast-forward 226 days later, Coulter received an opportunity to meet those who gave her a second chance at Save-a-Life Saturday, an annual event to honor first responders, which was hosted by Cranberry Township EMS on Feb. 21 at the municipal center.
“I’m just so grateful, and there’s just really not words to express how appreciative I am,” Coulter said. “Until you’re in this situation, you don’t understand what they do and how crucial their work actually is.”
Cranberry Township paramedic Eric Hanson, who was in charge of the call, said he didn’t initially know anything about Coulter’s condition after she was taken to the hospital, until her doctor asked for additional information on the incident.
Hanson said inexperienced first responders rely heavily on their training in high-pressure moments, but after years on the job, saving Coulter’s life felt more like instinct, than instruction.
“As you progress in the career, a lot of it is just instinct,” he said. “Instinct, and the experience of doing it so many times — you just know how to handle it.”
Through their tears, Coulter and Richey thanked the first responders, who received certificates of heroism during the ceremony.
“As soon as they got there, they knew what to do, and without even thinking,” Richey said. “It was just absolutely amazing to see them do what they do.”
Township police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel were recognized with certificates of heroism for helping save multiple lives in 2025. The event also promoted CPR and heart healthy decision-making in recognition of February being American Heart Month.
Cranberry Township EMS executive director Matt Nickl said setting up a chance for a survivor to meet first responders highlights the months of preparation, training and commitment his employees and other township staff invest throughout the year.
“I think that’s what kind of quantifies the work that we do, right?,” Nickl said. “We do this stuff every day, but actually being able to see that impact and to meet the people that changes their lives — it’s incredible.”
After spending two and half months recovering in the hospital, Coulter said she’s well on her way to a full recovery.
“I’m definitely on a good path,” she said. “There’s some follow-up appointments and testing. Overall, I’m doing pretty good.”
As for Hanson’s best advice for anyone who might find themselves in a situation similar to Coulter and Richey?
“For everybody else, learn CPR,” he said. “It’s the best thing you can do.”
