Captain Paul Mellamphy, Lt. Rose Moran, Paramedic Bryan Lucero, EMT Arnol Ramires and EMT Elinor Williams were honored with a Meritorious Award from WREMSCO (Westchester Regional EMS Council) for their rescue of a 16-year-old male who had fallen approximately 50 feet from the roof of an abandoned factory.
The crew, in coordination with the Yonkers Fire Department and Yonkers Police Emergency Services Unit, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and professionalism during the rescue.
Operating under challenging conditions, including poor lighting in the early morning hours, the crew located the patient unresponsive with snoring respirations, indicating a compromised airway.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the team rapidly initiated advanced airway management. Rapid Sequence Intubation was successfully performed using video laryngoscopy, and intravenous access was promptly established.
Due to the difficult location of the patient, coordinated efforts with fire and police personnel were required to safely extricate the patient. Utilizing a Stokes basket and maintaining strict cervical spine immobilization, the team ensured safe removal from the scene.
The patient was transported as a Level One trauma activation to Westchester Medical Center. Through the swift, skilled, and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved, the patient ultimately made a significant recovery and was later transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital for rehabilitation.
This incident reflects the highest standards of emergency medical care, inter-agency cooperation, and dedication to patient outcomes. The actions of all personnel involved are worthy of recognition and commendation.
