Reunion at Mather Lodge Celebrates Heroes During Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

Arkansas State Parks hosted a special recognition ceremony Friday at Mather Lodge inside Petit Jean State Park, honoring four individuals whose quick, coordinated actions saved the life of a camper suffering from sudden cardiac arrest last month.

Arkansas State Parks Rangers Josh Baker and Levi Koch, former paramedic Ken Ekenseair, and Registered Nurse Keri Adaire worked together to perform CPR and deploy an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on Mr. Bubba Noakes, who collapsed while visiting the park. Their immediate response restored his heartbeat before EMS arrived—actions that ultimately saved his life.

Law Enforcement Section Chief Ed Thomas led the ceremony and presented Director’s Lifesaving Commendations from Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis, recognizing each honoree for exceptional service, courage, and professionalism.

“Arkansas State Parks Rangers are often the first responders in remote areas where minutes matter,” said Director Shea Lewis in a statement, “The professionalism and preparedness shown by Rangers Baker and Koch represent the best of who we are, public servants trained to protect and serve both park visitors and surrounding communities.”

“Arkansas State Parks is proud of the training, commitment, and heart our staff demonstrate every day,” Lewis continued.

Dr. Morshed Morshedi, medical advisor to Arkansas State Parks, said, “When Mr. Noakes collapsed, it was the quick recognition and immediate response by friends and bystanders—some trained, some not—that made all the difference. Their willingness to act before professional help arrived quite literally saved his life.”

Dr. Morshedi emphasized that sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time, and that early CPR is one of the strongest predictors of survival.

“You don’t have to be a medical professional to save a life,” Dr. Morshedi added. “Call 911, place your hands in the center of the chest, and push hard and fast to the beat of ‘Stayin’ Alive.’ That simple act of courage can double or even triple someone’s chance of survival.”

Mr. Noakes, now fully recovered, expressed his gratitude:

“Thank you guys, I grew up not 10-15 miles from this state park, spent a lot of time here as a kid, the people here are amazing, the rangers here are amazing. I am so thankful for all of these people who were there that day.”

Following the ceremony, Arkansas State Parks hosted a luncheon for the survivor, his family, and the honorees. The event was part of the department’s ongoing recognition of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, encouraging Arkansans to learn hands-only CPR and be prepared to act when seconds count.