FAIRHAVEN — Fairhaven Fire-EMS is sharing positive news after a recent response to a medical emergency at New England Animal Hospital ended with a patient’s survival and recovery.
Last month, firefighter-paramedics were called to the animal hospital on Huttleston Avenue for a report of a person having a medical emergency in the waiting area. Dispatchers, trained in Prearrival Medical Instructions, worked with callers on the scene and determined the patient no longer had a pulse and was in cardiac arrest. They relayed the updated information to the responding units, prompting additional resources as time became critical.
Staff at the animal hospital had already begun CPR before the arrival of Medic 1. Shortly afterward, Engine 2 arrived with two additional firefighter-paramedics, along with Car 3. Paramedics took over CPR, initiated Advanced Cardiac Life Support protocols, and transported the patient to St. Luke’s Hospital. During the transport, the crew achieved a return of spontaneous circulation, or ROSC, restoring the patient’s pulse…