Rural/Metro Employees
Provide
Vital Link in
"Chain of Survival"
BUFFALO, New York (Feb. 15, 2001) -- Robert Hooper proudly served and survived as an active member of the United States Navy during armed military conflicts in Vietnam, Grenada and the Persian Gulf. Ironically, however, he almost didn't survive a sudden heart attack in the comforts of his own home in Buffalo, New York last October.
"You wonder if you are going to survive in a combat zone because you are in harm's way, but you can die at home in seconds," Hooper said.
Hooper and 12 other Western New Yorkers recently gathered at the American Heart Association's "Chain of Survival" recognition program to give first-hand accounts of their life-threatening incidents and to thank local emergency service personnel who saved their lives.
The Chain of Survival program recognizes those involved in saving a life, including the person who dialed 911 to activate emergency personnel, first responders on scene, and paramedics and emergency medical technicians who
provided care and transportation.Hooper, 46, was at home when a heart attack struck without warning. His
sister immediately called 911 for emergency assistance. Buffalo Fire Lieutenant Joseph Scanlon arrived first and administered CPR without any response from the patient. Then, Scanlon and fellow Buffalo firefighters twice defibrillated Hooper before getting a rhythm change. But, there was still no pulse. "He was down, had no pulse and wasn't breathing," Scanlon said.Rural/Metro Paramedic Tim Szczepaniak and EMT Sarah Hull quickly followed the first responders and immediately defibrillated Hooper in addition to ventilating him. Within seconds, Rural/Metro's Szczepaniak and Hull had a pulse. He was transported by Rural/Metro to a local hospital where he made a full recovery.
"I am glad that the story had a happy ending," said Szczepaniak. "Teamwork and proper training is a very important part of our job. This call was no different. The chain of survival really worked."
While the scene was chaotic to the family, the chain of survival worked to perfection. The 911 call led to Buffalo Fire's first response, and Rural/Metro initiated advanced life support care and transported the patient.
The local ER continued care and prepared Hooper for heart surgery. Russ Maxwell, Division General Manager, congratulated the crew for their professionalism, dedication and caring response under pressure. "It's dedicated employees like Tim Szczepaniak and Sarah Hull that help make Rural/Metro a public health and safety asset in Western New York," he said.
"Through their split-second reactions and teamwork, they reinforce the community trust Rural/Metro has established in Buffalo and Western New York. We are proud to have them wear the Rural/Metro uniform."
The Chain of Survival recognition program is part of the AHA's "Operation Heartbeat," an initiative chaired by Rural/Metro Marketing Manager Jeffrey Mendola to ensure that 50 percent of the public is trained in CPR.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Both Hull and Szczepaniak are active members of the Evans Center Fire Company - and we're proud of them for their accomplishments in and outside of our department. This information was provided by Mike Hughes, Public Information Officer for Rural/Metro Medical Services in Buffalo, New York.
