Managing Clinical Director, Dr. Brandon Canaday and Patient Services Representative Kayleigh Vaught of Palatka, FL were recognized by the Palatka City Commission for their lifesaving efforts after assisting an Aspen Dental patient that experienced a medical emergency in the office.

Shortly before 8 a.m. on June 6, 2023, a patient at Aspen Dental’s Palatka, FL office experienced a cardiac emergency. Dr. Canaday and Kayleigh quickly jumped into action, administering chest compressions to the patient, supported by an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), until emergency personnel arrived at the scene.

Thanks to the heroic actions of Kayleigh and Dr. Canaday, together with the City of Palatka Fire Department personnel, the patient’s life was saved.

Following the incident, Palatka Fire Chief Chris Taylor said, “As the Fire Chief, I am very proud to see our highly trained responders do their job with great success, but it is even more important to have bystanders who are trained, because the earlier the intervention the better the chances are to save a life.”

We’re proud of our Aspen Dental team members who had the training, knowledge and presence of mind to save a life.