FDNY EMTs Save Woman who Fell onto Subway Tracks

 

FDNY EMTs Jason Ruiz and Juan Rios risked their lives to save a 31-year-old woman who fell onto the subway tracks in Brooklyn on July 15.

At 4 p.m., the EMTs received a call for a victim at the G train’s Myrtle and Willoughby Aves. station.

When they entered at Myrtle and Marcy Aves., they found a woman face down on the tracks, covered in dirt. Witnesses said she had suffered a seizure before falling onto the tracks and off-duty Firefighter Tim Hogan, of Engine 216, had jumped down to immobilize her head.

Without knowing if the trains were stopped or the electricity was turned off, the EMTs jumped onto the tracks to begin treatment.

“We just tried to stay away from the third rail,” said EMT Ruiz. “You don’t think about the risks until afterwards.”

They used a neck brace and a long board to keep her from sustaining further injury, and lifted her to the train platform where they gave her oxygen. The EMTs said she was semi-conscious and talking, but a little disoriented.

They transported her to Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in stable condition.

“We just jumped in and did what we had to do,” said EMT Rios. “We didn’t think about our safety - just her.”