Survivor: Robert Walter
Date of Event:
Location of Event: Home
Rescuer(s):Grace Walter
April 25, 2025 was like any other day in the Walter family household, until it wasn’t. Robert, a chef by trade, had just accepted a job in Hawaii running a kitchen at a state park. Tanya, Robert’s wife, was trained as a former EMT before she became a kindergarten teacher, and Grace, Robert’s daughter, had spent a summer as a Disney lifeguard. Never did Tanya think that her EMT skills would ever come into play again, nor did Grace imagine that her first ever time performing CPR would be on her dad.
Grace was getting ready to head out of the house when she heard something heavy fall in the kitchen and went running. It was her father.
Immediate Response
Through their calm, decisive actions at home, Grace and Tanya saved Robert. As Tanya was trying to assess airway and circulation, Grace immediately started compressions while getting 911 on speaker phone.
Kissimmee Fire Department crews arrived swiftly and assumed advanced life-saving measures. Emergency medical personnel continued resuscitation efforts and transported Robert to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. His heart was restarted during transport, giving him a fighting chance.
A Critical Hospital Battle
Robert remained hospitalized for eight days, including five days in intensive care. Medical teams worked to stabilize his condition and address the effects of the cardiac episode. Early CPR performed by his family proved to be a key factor in his survival.
A Life Saved Through Preparation
The Kissimmee Fire Department honored those who were on the April 25 call, Tanya and Grace Walters, dispatchers, EMTs, and staff at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. The event underscored how CPR training, quick thinking, and coordinated response can save a life. Because CPR was started immediately and performed effectively at home, Robert Walter survived and was able to return to his family.