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West Warwick honors EMS crews after two successful cardiac-arrest responses
Summary
The town recognized West Warwick Fire Department, police and Central Coventry crews for saving two people from cardiac arrest in December; patient Russ Bullock presented certificates to responders, and the council praised the teams’ clinical work and community service.
A West Warwick Fire Department representative opened a special council occasion April 7 to recognize crews involved in two December cardiac-arrest responses that produced successful outcomes.
"Tonight, we gather to recognize an exceptional group of professionals whose commitment to excellence in emergency care truly makes a difference in the lives of the people they serve every day," the presenter said, noting partnerships with the Rhode Island Department of Health Center for EMS and the Rhode Island Ambulance Service Advisory Board.
The presenter described a Dec. 10 incident at 1193 Main Street in which West Warwick Police Officer Alex Austin arrived "within seconds" to find a male patient pulseless and immediately initiated CPR until fire department personnel continued life-saving measures. Agencies including Central Coventry Fire District and the community paramedicine technician assisted; the patient was transported with restoration of a strong pulse, the presenter said.
The council recognized the West Warwick responders by name in the transcript: Lieutenant Marsland, Private Pecchia, Lieutenant Hines, Private Xavier, Lieutenant Citracheo, Private Bellucci and Private Rainville; Central Coventry was listed with Lieutenant Dugan and Private Perrin; the West Warwick Police Department was credited for Patrolman Alex Austin.
A second incident on Dec. 9 at 715 Main Street involved a male who initially was responsive but then suffered cardiac arrest; crew members performed CPR, delivered multiple defibrillations and provided synchronized cardioversion and intravenous medication, stabilizing the patient before hospital transport, the presenter said.
Russ Bullock, identified in the meeting as the patient in one of the cardiac arrests, was invited to the front to present certificates to the first responders.
Council members and attendees thanked the crews for their clinical skill and community commitment. "This recognition is not only a reflection of the clinical excellence, but also your unwavering commitment to the community," the presenter said.
What’s next: The council held a brief public meeting and then moved on to the scheduled budget hearing; no additional formal actions were announced in conjunction with the recognition.
Sources: Presentation and speaker remarks at the April 7 West Warwick Town Council meeting.
