A Good Samaritan and first responders who saved the life of a man who collapsed on the bike path at Veterans Memorial Park in Calverton last month were honored by the Riverhead Town Board at the start of its meeting yesterday afternoon at Town Hall.
Council Member Ken Rothwell, liaison to the town’s emergency services, recounted the events of March 11 and presented Town Board proclamations to those involved.
Wading River resident Thomas Downey was driving his vehicle when he saw the man on the bike path collapse, Rothwell said. He called 911, exited his vehicle and began CPR on the scene.
Riverhead Police Officer Brandon Williams arrived on the scene and continued to administer CPR, where he was able to briefly regain a pulse, Rothwell said.
“Just prior to the arrival of the Wading River Fire Department, the patient went into cardiac arrest,” Rothwell said.
Officer Kiernan Fitzgerald continued CPR. Wading River Fire Department Rescue arrived on scene and Wading River Paramedic Dan Manzella set up a manual defibrillator with a cardiac monitor, while EMT Cameron Rothwell administered oxygen to the patient.
“Together, the team administered one shock, converting the patient back to a normal heart rhythm,” Rothwell said.
“The patient then regained consciousness and was moved to the ambulance, where Chief Denise Gluck established an IV, while Paramedic Dan Manzella and EMT Cameron Rothwell obtained a 12-lead followup EKG. The team established the patient’s vitals and medical information was sent in advance to the hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, where they waited for the patient’s arrival,” Rothwell said. Wading River Chief Keith Ryan drove the ambulance to Peconic Bay Medical Center,” he said.
“Today, after further medical treatment, the patient has made a full recovery. I will tell you that I have had the personal opportunity to speak to his family members, and they are incredibly, extremely grateful for everyone who participated that day and the efforts that saved his life,” Rothwell said.
“And so I cannot speak enough about what you do every day and how you do it — also an extreme, proud father as well,” he added, referring to his son, the EMT on the March 11 crew. The councilman is also a longtime volunteer firefighter and is also a member of the Wading River Fire Department.
“It is great to know that you are there every day, protecting us and ready to respond on any day, in any hour, any moment,” Rothwell said, expressing his gratitude and the gratitude of the man’s family.
He then presented the proclamations to six of the seven people being honored. Chief Keith Ryan was unable to attend yesterday’s meeting.
“This was an absolute alignment of the stars, and I’m not talking just about the stars that are standing up here before you,” Supervisor Tim Hubbard said.
“This situation happened when this person collapsed on the trail, and the chances that somebody sees it stopped at a stoplight, and that person is trained in CPR, and then goes and starts CPR, after realizing there’s no pulse, calls 911. Officers and EMTs in the area show up really quick, get there fast, bring the man back and save a life,” Hubbard said.
“This is an incredible, incredible story. We can’t thank you enough for all that you do for our community, and we are extremely proud to have you members of our Riverhead Police Department, Wading River Fire Department and Wading River ambulance. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community,” Hubbard said.
Mark McLaughlin, chief of staff to State Assembly Member Jodi Giglio was on hand with a proclamation for EMT Cameron Rothwell.
“Our assemblywoman is in Albany, so she couldn’t be here today, so I’m here on her behalf to present to Cameron Rothwell —and she would like to also present proclamations to the rest of the first responders as well,” McLaughlin said.
“Honoring a dedicated and highly skilled emergency medical technician whose unwavering commitment and heroic actions not only saved a life, but also amplify the high standards of emergency medical service and reinforcing our community’s trust and gratitude toward our first responders,” McLaughlin read from the proclamation. He then congratulated the honorees.Ri
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