Missouri officials are mourning the death of a 27-year-old paramedic.
Michael Clarke was working on the advanced life support unit at Station 12 in St. Peters on Monday, Oct. 14, when an emergency call came in shortly before 7 a.m. local time, according to a statement on Facebook from the St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD).
“When Clarke did not report from the station to the ambulance to leave for the call, his partner found him unresponsive in one of the station’s bedrooms,” officials said.
His partner and other paramedics “immediately initiated CPR and other lifesaving measures, which were continued at Barnes St. Peters Hospital following transport,” officials said, adding that, “despite their valiant efforts, he did not survive.”
Clarke’s cause of death has not yet been released.
A two-year veteran of the ambulance service, Clarke was known for his “affable nature” and co-workers said that he “brought a positive energy to the station for every shift.”
“Michael embodied each of our values, but perhaps none more so than compassion – his kindness put patients at ease and earned him respect among colleagues and community health partners,” SCCAD Chief Kelly Cope said. “This loss is profound, and we appreciate the support of our community during this difficult time.”
Earlier this year, Clarke and two other colleagues were recognized by a patient and the SCCAD board of directors for their lifesaving efforts during a cardiac arrest call.
Clarke’s funeral arrangements are pending and “will be communicated per the family’s wishes,” according to the SCCAD.
They added, “Our Paramedic Association, Honor Guard and leadership team will work closely with his loved ones to be of service as they navigate this loss.”
