On February 16, 2025, just before 11 p.m., Henry Key, a local North Carolina firefighter, wasn’t feeling well, so he went and laid down for the night.
What Key had attributed to indigestion was actually a sudden cardiac arrest. His daughter, Brianna, who is graduating nursing school in May, began CPR on her father while waiting for help to arrive.
Westfield Volunteer Fire Department — Key’s fellow volunteers — got the call.
“When the pager activates, there is always a heightened sense of urgency,” Westfield Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jonathan Sutphin said.
“In this case ... as soon as I heard the location, I knew exactly where we were going. it became clear that we were not just responding to a typical emergency ... we were headed to help someone we all knew personally.”
One of our own
Westfield is located approximately near the North Carolina-Virginia border in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The department operates with seven advanced certified firefighters; 14 certified firefighters; 12 certified technical rescue technicians; 10 EMTs; four North Carolina medical responders; 10 members with multiple rescue certifications; and 20 certified emergency vehicle operators, according to Sutphin.
Despite having been with the department for just over 5 years, Key has become an integral part of the team, known for his humor and lightheartedness, and brightening the atmosphere at the station, Sutphin noted, adding, “as a fire chief, these are the calls you never want to receive — especially within your own district. When I arrived on scene and entered the room where CPR was in progress and the AED was being prepared, my heart sank. I knew we needed a miracle to bring Henry back. However, every responder on scene relied on their training, executing their roles with precision and professionalism.”
Early CPR
The first EMT arrived on scene within 4 minutes of dispatch and took over CPR. More Westfield responders arrived and the team deployed an AED approximately 5 minutes later, according to Sutphin. Three shocks were delivered and on the third, Key began breathing on his own, just as Surry County EMS arrived. The responders continued assisting in stabilizing him for transport to the hospital.
“Despite the emotional weight of the situation — performing life-saving efforts on one of our own — our team remained focused,” Sutphin said. “Thanks to their swift actions and dedication, we achieved the best possible outcome.”
“Performing CPR is always an emotionally charged experience, but the circumstances of this call made it especially difficult,” Sutphin noted. “Early CPR significantly increases the chances of survival, and in this case, Henry’s family began chest compressions within a minute of him stopping breathing.”
“Dispatch had relayed that CPR was in progress upon our arrival, but seeing a friend and colleague in such a dire condition was overwhelming,” Sutphin shared. “It is one thing to witness a loved one in distress; it is entirely another to be the one responsible for their life-saving care. This call took an emotional toll on every responder involved.”
Training and teamwork make the difference
Key had suffered a complete occlusion of one vessel that was repaired with a stent placement.
During his tenure at Westfield FD, Key has completed numerous firefighting training courses, earned his TR certification, Medical Responder Certification and many other qualifications.
“He has contributed to the community by responding to over 470 calls, working tirelessly to save lives and protect property in Westfield and neighboring areas,” Sutphin reported.
“His dedication has resulted in over 650 hours of training, but his focus has always been on serving others ... not himself.”
Reflecting on his close call, Key said, “I am grateful to my wife, Kerryanne, and daughter and guys that showed up that kept me alive.”
“I thought I had indigestion that wouldn’t go away,” Key recalled. “I laid down. I don’t remember anything else until I woke up in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.”
“Get help quick if you feel bad,” he offered his advice, based off his incident. “You don’t know what’s going on and you better get checked.”
“Having lived in Westfield my entire life and responded to countless emergencies, this was one of the most challenging calls I have ever experienced,” Sutphin said. “Yet, in that critical moment, our training and teamwork made all the difference. The members of the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department are some of the most dedicated, compassionate, and skilled individuals I have ever had the privilege to serve with. Their unwavering commitment to our community and to saving lives is nothing short of remarkable. Through their courage, professionalism and extensive training, they helped give Henry a second chance at life. I am honored to stand alongside them and serve the people of Westfield.”
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