'A Texan now,' man thanks those who saved his life. Missouri man, in town for trade show, collapsed on bridge but was saved by passers-by. 

Drew Elam was walking from his hotel to the convention center when he collapsed Thursday morning on the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Fred McGhee , an archaeologist, was driving on the bridge moments later and saw Elam on the ground. He quickly pulled over and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency responders arrived. Austin police officer Kevin Kelly also was driving in the area, pulled over and used an automated external defibrillator on Elam. Their collaborative actions saved Elam, 44, in town for a construction trade show, who was suffering a heart attack due to blockage with a blood clot in one of his arteries.

On Tuesday, in pajama pants and hospital-issued socks, Elam dabbed his eyes and thanked the responders and hospital staff for his second shot at life. Elam's father had died of a heart attack at 52. "This is literally my new birthday," said Elam, who flies back home to Liberty, Mo., today .

The personnel who make up Austin-Travis County EMS are our most important and most precious resource. ATCEMS works diligently to find people who will fit well into the department, and who will improve our team. Our next priority is to ensure that we develop our personnel throughout their careers, allowing them to not only meet their own expectations and potential, but – more importantly – the expectations of the community. This requires that we work with employees to identify and meet their needs; acknowledge and celebrate the service they provide; and ensure that each and every person works in a safe and healthy environment.