Guilford Firefighters, Civilian Honored For Lifesaving Response

GUILFORD, CT — Several Guilford firefighters and a civilian have been honored for saving a man this past summer who was reportedly in cardiac arrest, according to an announcement this week from the Guilford Fire Department.

On July 13, first responders were called to Long Hill Road on a report of a man who was in cardiac arrest. A bystander had already begun CPR.

Firefighter/paramedic John Planas and Firefighter/EMT Jason Beeker responded on Squad 1 and were the first to arrive, the GFD said, and they found a 68-year-old man unresponsive and in ventricular fibrillation, a shockable heart rhythm.

Crew members delivered a 200-joule defibrillation shock and gave chest compressions, the GFD said. The patient then began breathing on his own and started to move and respond.

Firefighter/paramedic Dan Post and firefighter/EMT Dan O'Brien, both part of Medic 2, also responded and joined in stabilizing the man, "who soon had a pulse and purposeful movement," the GFD noted.

The bystander, who was identified as Meghan Copeland, "remained calm and assisted responders," the GFD said.

Guilford Fire Captain and Deputy Fire Marshal Jim Considine noted that Copeland "undoubtedly made this outcome possible."

The man was awake and breathing on his own when he was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment. It was later learned he had an automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator, and he experienced no lasting side effects from the cardiac arrest, according to the GFD.

In recognition of their quick actions and teamwork, the GFD presented a certificate of commendation to Planas, Post, Beeker, and O'Brien.

"The citation also commended Meghan Copeland for initiating CPR, highlighting how early intervention and coordinated care can mean the difference between life and death," the GFD said. "As part of the honor, the firefighters are authorized to wear the Unit Commendation Ribbon on their Class A uniforms."

"When a bystander begins chest compressions right away, it buys us the minutes we need to get there and make a difference," Fire Chief Michael Shove said in a news release. "This was a textbook save thanks to a caring citizen and a highly trained crew."

Residents are encouraged to learn CPR and to call 911 immediately when someone collapses.

Those interested in attending a CPR course should call 203-453-8056.

The department is offering a CPR/AED class next month. More details can be found here.