DADE CITY, Fla. (Monday, June 8, 2026) – A Dade City man is thanking the first responders and medical team who helped save his life after a heart attack nearly went undetected.
Today, 66-year-old Johnnie Bozeman reunited with the Pasco County Fire Rescue paramedics and AdventHealth Dade City caregivers who sprang into action when a routine day on his farm turned into a medical emergency.
Bozeman was working around his property on January 31, chasing livestock back into their enclosure. After returning inside, he became extremely hot and began sweating heavily. His wife noticed something wasn’t right and called 911.
When Pasco County Fire Rescue crews arrived, Bozeman complained of chest pain and dizziness but initial EKG readings didn’t clearly show signs of a heart attack.
Paramedics encouraged Bozeman to go to the hospital despite the unclear readings. Once he was loaded into the ambulance, the situation changed dramatically. Within moments, he had a heart attack.
“Don’t argue with people if they’re looking at you from the outside. They’re looking at you and going, ‘Oh buddy, you need help,'” recalled Bozeman. “I think they might be right. Take the help. Don’t wait and see it out. If they say you need to go, go. You gripe later.”
EMS crews quickly revived Bozeman and got him to AdventHealth Dade City where the emergency department had a critical care room prepared and a cardiologist standing by. Doctors rushed him into treatment, where he received life-saving stents.
Danika DeBerry, the nurse manager of the ER at AdventHealth Dade City who was there that day, said the outcome could have been much different had Bozeman waited to see a doctor days later.
“We are very proud of our working relationship with EMS. In order for us to do our job, it takes them doing theirs,” said DeBerry. “Having that trust and communication really helps the patients out in the end.”
During the reunion, AdventHealth Dade City’s CEO, Shane Bedward, presented Pasco County Fire Rescue crews with a Life-Saving Award, recognizing their rapid decision-making and teamwork that directly contributed to saving Bozeman’s life.
“We do it because we love the job. We love helping people,” said Pasco County Fire Rescue Paramedic Trevor Gibson. “I have a really great crew, and we have great partners we work with. That makes the job easy and makes it nice.”
Bozeman is now doing well, taking medication and enjoying life with a renewed appreciation for the first responders and caregivers who gave him a second chance.
Provided by AdventHealth