FDNY Reunites Cardiac Arrest Victims and their Rescuers at the Second Chance Brunch
Survivor John Cummins thanks his FDNY EMS rescuers.
The FDNY holds numerous events in the auditorium at the Fire Academy, but rarely one this emotional.
Ten cardiac arrest victims were reunited with the paramedics, EMTs and firefighters who saved them at the 17th Annual Second Chance Brunch on May 17.
"The people in the audience today were given a second chance at life because they were lucky enough to live in a city with the best pre-hospital medical care in the country," said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.
Three of the victims were saved using hypothermia therapy, a cutting-edge procedure that can preserve neurological function and halt muscle and tissue damage in cardiac arrest patients. The Department began using this therapy in 2010.
The Commissioner also noted that early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) also was key to saving many of the victims (learn more about the FDNY's free CPR classes).
"This is the pinnacle of EMS Week," said Chief of EMS Abdo Nahmod, who thanked the Pinchik family for sponsoring the event. "This is why we do what we do every day, to save a life."
Survivor Kim Williams and her daughter thank FDNY officers and the members who helped save her life.
Among the 10 survivors was Sarah Adams El, who was leaving her home to take her final exams at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, when she began suffering from chest pains and shortness of breath, quickly going into cardiac arrest.
"I don't have enough words, I'm so grateful," Yanisa Rosado said of her daughter's rescuers. "When they saved her, they saved my life as well."
Lt. Bonnie Regan, one of the EMS professionals who saved Ms. Adams El, praised Ms. Rosado for helping them during the emergency. She added, "I'm so honored to be here. [Ms. Adams El and her family] didn't have to come here today."
Another survivor, Serene Brown, was having dinner with her boyfriend in Brooklyn, when she went into cardiac arrest. Bystanders immediately began CPR and responding EMS members administered hypothermia therapy, saving her life.
"I'm so proud she's here today," said EMS Lt. Cary Walsh. When asked about his team's response that night, he said, "We just reacted and relied on our training, and we were so happy to get her back."
Fighting back tears, Ms. Brown said, "I had no idea there were so many people that helped me that day. This is overwhelming."
Angela Biagini, a survivor who was at home with her husband when she said she was not feeling well, and went into cardiac arrest. Her husband, a former police officer, immediately began CPR and arriving paramedics administered hypothermia therapy.
She said when she returned home after her hospital stay, the EMS members brought her flowers. "Who does that?" she asked, smiling at her rescuers.
"It's a miracle, what they did," she said. "I'll never forget them."