Fellow Firefighters Performed CPR as Neil Schnaible Suffered Massive Heart Attack

 Lake Valley Fire Protection District firefighter-paramedic Neil Schnaible is fighting for his life after suffering a massive heart attack while on duty in South Lake Tahoe, California, according to local news reports and union statements. The sudden medical emergency has left a respected first responder in critical condition and prompted an outpouring of support from across the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond.

Officials said Schnaible collapsed while performing duties during a routine shift, a stark reminder of the unpredictable health risks faced by emergency personnel. Fellow firefighters immediately began life-saving measures, performing CPR and successfully restoring a pulse at the scene. However, he sustained severe head injuries when he fell and struck the pavement, leading to multiple brain bleeds that complicated his condition and required urgent neurosurgical evaluation.

He was transported to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, where he remains in intensive care under close observation. Medical teams are monitoring his neurological status closely as he battles both cardiac and traumatic injuries sustained in the on-duty collapse, with his prognosis described as grave and uncertain by those close to the situation and his care team.

The Lake Valley Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 4409, launched a GoFundMe titled "Emergency Support for Firefighter Neil Schnaible and Family" to help cover travel and emergency expenses for his wife and daughter, who were in Greece at the time of his collapse. The distance and sudden nature of the emergency added urgency to efforts to reunite the family during a critical window for medical decision-making.

The campaign has raised nearly $70,000 in aid as of Friday, a remarkable total that reflects the deep respect Schnaible commands within the fire service and the broader South Lake Tahoe community. Donations have come from fellow firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers, neighbors, local businesses, and strangers moved by the circumstances of an on-duty medical emergency affecting a public servant.

Union representatives say the funds will help with immediate international travel costs, lodging near the hospital in Reno, meals, childcare considerations, and other unforeseen expenses that accumulate quickly during a prolonged ICU stay. The goal is to remove financial barriers so his family can focus entirely on being at his bedside, participating in care discussions, and supporting his recovery.

Schnaible is described by colleagues as a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate member of the Lake Valley Fire Protection District who has served with professionalism and humility. His collapse during an emergency response underscores the physical demands, emotional stress, and inherent risks faced by firefighter-paramedics, even during calls that initially appear routine, and highlights the importance of peer support.

As Neil continues his fight at Renown Regional, the community is holding vigils, sharing updates, wearing union shirts in solidarity, and contributing to the fundraiser. The union asks for continued prayers, blood donations, and support, emphasizing that the road ahead will be long and challenging. May strength, hope, and healing surround Neil Schnaible and his family in the difficult days ahead as they face this crisis together today.