First responders receive Phoenix Award after saving Estero man’s life

ESTERO, Fla.- A man has a second chance at life and is thanking the people responsible. Jason Willamson had a heart attack last month, but a quick thinking Lee County deputy took skills she learned just day earlier to save his life.

“The last thing I remember was the game,” said Jason Willamson.

It was December 14th, football Sunday, Cowboys versus Eagles. A day Jason Willamson vaguely remembers.

“I was in a coma for three days, on life support, I had two surgeries.”

At just 41-years-old, Willamson had a heart attack.

“My wife repeating over and over you’ve had a heart attack, you’re in ICU, she kept repeating it until my eyes got as wide as saucers,” Willamson told WINK News.

His heart had to be shocked twice.

“It’s game mode right off the bat,” said LCSO deputy Katelyn Anderson.

Lee County deputy Katelyn Anderson was the first responder to arrive.

“His wife was in there screaming, ‘I’m in here, I’m in here.’ He was laying down on the floor on his back, his wife was attempting CPR.”

She immediately took over. She began CPR, something she had never done before. In fact, she just had recertification course four days prior.

The Williamson family wanted to thank their crew of heroes with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Estero Fire and Lee EMS for saving his life.

“I just put down my mask and started chest compressions, did two breaths and back to compressions.”

“It’s very emotional. His age, being very young, two young children, it’s very emotional,” said Estero Fire Chief Scott Vanderbrook

They were honored with the life saving Phoenix Award.

“Just to be here holding this (Phoenix Award) that means he survived,” said Anderson.