Two Ky. firefighters suffer separate medical emergencies after responding to possible heart attack

MOREHEAD, Ky. (WKYT) - Two members of the Morehead Fire Department were hospitalized following separate medical emergencies after responding to a medical emergency.

Fire Chief Jeff Anderson confirmed crews were dispatched to downtown Morehead around 6:25 p.m. Thursday for a report of a possible heart attack. While firefighters were performing CPR on the patient, Lt. Tony Cooper, who had also responded, suddenly went into cardiac arrest.

First responders quickly shifted focus and began treating their fellow firefighter. A second ambulance was called, and Lt. Cooper was taken to UK St. Claire Hospital. He was placed in a medically induced coma and admitted to the intensive care unit. As of Friday morning, Chief Anderson said Lt. Cooper was in critical but stable condition.

Shortly after arriving at the hospital with Lt. Cooper, Assistant Fire Chief John Northcutt—who also serves as the Rowan County Coroner—began experiencing chest pains.

Doctors discovered a blockage, and Northcutt was admitted for treatment. He remains in the hospital in stable condition and may be released in the next day or two, according to Chief Anderson.

There’s no word on the outcome with the patient from the original call.

This is a developing story.