Paramedic Anthony Gambardella and EMT John Wallace recently received a Meritorious Award from Westchester REMSCO for their swift and skilled actions that helped save the life of a patient in cardiac distress.
On the morning of Dec. 11, 2024, Gambardella and Wallace evaluated and diagnosed a patient experiencing severe chest pain with an acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the team initiated immediate advanced cardiac care and swiftly transported the patient to a tertiary care facility for definitive intervention.
While being transferred to the emergency room stretcher, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. The transport team’s rapid initiation of full resuscitative measures led to the patient’s successful revival and was transported to New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, where a specialized cardiac team was standing by. Upon arrival, the patient underwent advanced cardiac treatment and comprehensive care.
After a period of recovery and rehabilitation, the patient and their loved ones had an invaluable holiday gift when the patient was discharged in stable condition on Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve — just in time for the holidays.
“This outcome stands as a testament to the dedication, preparedness, and teamwork demonstrated at every step of this patient’s journey — from the initial contact to the life-saving efforts during transport, and the expert care provided at Columbia Presbyterian,” said Deputy Chief Sean O’Brien. “It is moments like these that remind us why we do what we do.”
