Dix Hills Rescue Squad Saves a Man During a Mother’s Day Celebration

A  74-year-old man was revived by members of the Dix Hills Fire Department after he collapsed into cardiac arrest during a Mother’s Day celebration at his home.  The resident was eating a meal when his family noticed he had collapsed and was not breathing.

The Dix Hills Fire Department received the call for help at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, of a man in cardiac arrest, and within minutes arrived on scene to revive the man.  First on scene was Assistant Chief Joseph Williamson who immediately began CPR until Lead Paramedic Bob Cavaleri, and Assistant Chiefs Tom Napolitano and Alan Berkowitz arrived to assist.

Under the direction of First Assistant Chief Tom Napolitano and Paramedic Cavaleri, it was determined that the patient had an obstructed airway and his heart and breathing had stopped.   Assistant Chief Williamson immediately cleared the patient’s airway, while Paramedic Cavaleri, Rescue Captain Matt Mattone and Assistant Chief Berkowitz provided advanced care that included medication to restart the patient’s heart.

Once the Rescue Squad was able to achieve a return of a pulse, the patient was treated with one of the newest treatments available – whereby cold saline was intravenously  introduced into the patient.  The patient was transported to Huntington Hospital with a pulse, breathing and a life-sustaining blood pressure.

First Assistant Chief Napolitano stated “When cardiac arrest occurs, time is of the essence.  In this case, the fire department was able to arrive on scene within a couple of minutes to start CPR and other lifesaving care.  Our rescue squad did a great job reviving the patient.  I am proud of them and so happy that the family was able to have a happy ending on Mother’s Day.”

The Dix Hills Fire Department had three ambulances, and 21 members on scene.