GREENVILLE – Spirit EMS had a very esteemed guest appear at their Holiday Christmas Party this year. One of Santa’s helpers, Stephen Henninger has been helping spread some Christmas cheer since he was 25 years old.
Earlier this year, Henninger was discharged from Wayne HealthCare after going through a total hip replacement as a result of osteoarthritis. The Spirit EMS crew of Josh Henry and Billy Rohr safely transported this helper to Versailles Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and dropped him off at 3:21 P.M.
Upon leaving, Spirit EMS was dispatched to Versailles Rehabilitation & Healthcare at 10:54 PM, about a male subject who had fallen in the hallway with a head contusion. Paramedic Josh Henry and EMT Telisa Sanner immediately responded. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the male subject was the same gentleman that the EMS crew had dropped off earlier in the day.
Henninger was transported back to Wayne Healthcare in Greenville for further assessment of his injuries. After arriving at Wayne Healthcare, Spirit EMS was again called for Santa’s helper, for a means of transport to Miami Valley Hospital due to having an epidural and subdural hemorrhage that had been found on a CT scan.
Paramedic Henry and EMT Sanner again responded and took the patient to Miami Valley Hospital. Henninger was admitted to the hospital for a few days where he was once again released back to Versailles Rehabilitation and HealthCare Center for invasive skilled rehabilitation.
Then, on February 18th, Spirit EMS was once again dispatched to help the same patient on a report that he had started to have some increased headaches in recent days, had increased blood pressure, and had a new onset of left-sided weakness, indicative of a stroke. Spirit EMS Paramedic Geraldine Pierre and EMT John Hathaway immediately responded. Upon their arrival, they noted that Santa’s helper no longer had any use of his left hand.
Santa’s Helper was once again rushed to Wayne HealthCare for further assessment where it was determined by CT scans that he had an acute brain bleed that was definitely a cause for concern. Upon learning of this, Spirit EMS Paramedic Henry and EMT Layne Ratcliff rushed him to Miami Valley.
“On arrival to Miami Valley Hospital, the brain bleed was determined to be so severe that with any hope of saving his life, his scalp would need to be completely removed to relieve the pressure that had built up in his brain from the bleed. His scalp was removed by neurosurgeons at Miami Valley Hospital and he immediately regained the use of his left hand. Doctors then explained that the road to recovery would be a long one, and his days of being a helper for Santa Claus were slim, let alone being able to live independently on his own again. Days later, Santa’s helper was again released from Miami Valley Hospital and sent back to Versailles Rehabilitation & HealthCare for more invasive skilled therapy,” explained Spirit EMS President/CEO Brian K. Hathaway.
But Santa’s trail of bad luck wouldn’t stop there…’
On February 27, at 12:10 AM, Santa’s helper again began feeling extreme pressure in his head. Spirit EMS was again dispatched and Advanced EMT Hathaway and EMT Aaron Guthrie responded. The assessment of the patient concurred that he would be transported to Upper Valley Medical Center based on having neurological staff on site.
“It was during that transport, this patient explained to me the many years that he had been helping Santa in and around the Greenville community. He also shared that he graduated from high school with my father and how thankful he was for the impact that many of the Spirit EMS crew had had on taking care of him over the last month. He loved that he had people taking care of him that he had grown up with, or helped coach like Paramedic Josh Henry,” Hathaway shared.
Hathaway explained that Henninger began asking him questions regarding the infamous Spirit EMS Santa and who would help take on the role as Santa’s Helper this year for 2024.
“As we pulled up to the doors at Upper Valley Medical Center that February 27th morning, Santa’s helper looked at me in the eyes and said, ‘I will get better and I will be your Santa Claus,’” said Hathaway as he swallowed back tears.
Miraculously, Santa’s helper made a tremendous recovery and was excited to spread some extra Christmas cheer like he had promised.
“Santa‘s helper and Spirit’s Santa Claus, coming to us tonight from the North Pole, Steven Heninger,” said Hathaway as he introduced him officially for the first time.
Many people helped make this journey a little easier for Santa’s helper. The following individuals from the Spirit EMS team were all recognized for their part in taking care of Henninger during multiple ambulance rides in February 2024: Paramedic Josh Henry, EMT Billy Rohr, EMT Telisa Sanner, Paramedic Geraldine Pierre, EMT John Hathaway, EMT Layne Ratcliff, Advanced EMT Brian K Hathaway, and EMT Aaron Guthrie.
Spirit EMS also presented Henninger with a Star of Life award to commemorate his miraculous recovery and his many years of service to the Greenville community as Santa’s helper.
“If it weren’t for the swift and compassionate care from everyone at Spirit EMS, I might not be here to play Santa again. I’m incredibly grateful for this amazing group of professionals,” Henninger expressed.
