Lynn, MA, Lieutenant's Situational Awareness Cited in Saving Fire Recruit
Situational awareness is essential not only on the fireground, but in everyday life.
It was that mantra that Lynn Fire Lt. Joel Abreu embraces that made the difference for a recruit who suffered a sudden cardiac event at the Massachusetts Fire Training Academy last week.
While watching the recruits leaving the burn building after an exercise, he saw one who was unsteady.
"Upon assessing the recruit's condition, Lt. Abreu's foresight in requesting a debrillator as a precautionay measure proved to be a critical decision..." officials wrote on the department's Facebook page.
Not long after, the recruit went into cardiac arrest.
Abreu applied the AED and four rounds of CPR followed.
"The positive outcome of this incident, with the recruit regaining consciousness, is a testament to Lt. Abreu's skill, composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of those under his care. His actions not only saved a life but also set an exemplary standard for all fire service personnel."
In a statement on Abreu's actions, Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan wrote: "...His actions embody the core values of our profession: courage, dedication and service to others..."
Sullivan lauded the lieutenant's exceptional performance and life-saving interventin.
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
