GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Police Chief Edward Conley and Fire Chief Eric Smith report that the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments recently saved the life of a 64-year-old man after he went into cardiac arrest.
“Cardiac arrest is very serious, and thankfully by working together swiftly and collaboratively, first responders were able to save this man’s life,” Police Chief Conley said. “I commend each officer and member of the fire department who responded — well done.”
At approximately 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, members of the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments responded to Cripple Cove for a report of a man who had collapsed.
Gloucester Police Officers Josiah Aberle and Sgt. Brian Aiello responded to the scene along with Gloucester Fire’s Rescue 2, with paramedics Jak Letien and James Hannon III. Gloucester Fire Ladder 1 was also dispatched to the scene, with Lt. Chad Mota and paramedic Mike Mitchell. Deputy Chief Andrew McRobb, who was performing inspections nearby at the time of the call, also responded to the scene.
Officer Aberle, Sgt. Aiello and Deputy Chief McRobb were the first to arrive on scene, and came upon a 64-year-old Rockport man in cardiac arrest. While the officers began to administer CPR, Deputy McRobb prepared and applied his automatic defibrillator (AED) device. The device immediately indicated “shock advised” and one shock was administered.
Upon arrival, Paramedics Letien and Hannon took over care of the patient with the assistance of other first responders on scene. Before the man was loaded into an ambulance, his heart began to beat on its own again. The patient was then transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital.
“The credit for this lies with the speed and professionalism of every Gloucester Fire and Police member involved,” Fire Chief Smith said. “Due to timely and accurate dispatching, early CPR and defibrillation, experienced paramedic level care and seamless performance of duties, Police and Fire worked together to save a life.”
Nearly two weeks after the incident, the man was discharged from the hospital on Oct. 21.
According to the American Heart Association, less than 10 percent of people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive.
“I am incredibly proud of the response our Police and Fire Departments had to this incident,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “The Gloucester Police and Fire Departments are made up of highly skilled, dedicated professionals, and we’re fortunate to have them serve our city.”
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