'Very Alive': Swampscott Emergency Crews Save Unresponsive Man

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott emergency responders are being credited with saving a 72-year-old man's life after he was found unresponsive at the post office on Friday.

Police Chief Ruben Quesada said three responding officers will be awarded the department's Life Saving Commendation for initiating life-saving CPR measures before additional response from Swampscott fire crews and Atlantic Ambulance.

The man was taken to an area hospital with the spouse of the patient telling the Swampscott Fire Department that he was"very alive" on Monday in a message of gratitude for their efforts.

Quesada said Officer Michael Kenyon, Sgt. Stephen Luck and Officer Savy Caruso responded to the post office on Elmwood and found the man "unresponsive, unconscious and not breathing." Kenyon began CPR and several cycles of chest compressions.

"Officers noted the patient had no color in his face and his 'eyes wide open' showing signs of experiencing a very serious medical condition," Quesada said.

Swampscott fire personnel then arrived and performed AED measures with additional chest compressions and rescue breaths, with Atlantic Ambulance crews performing ensuing automated chest compressions.

"The collective efforts and coordination by our officers, along with the quick response and teamwork of the Swampscott Fire Department to include the Atlantic Ambulance personnel, resulted in a precious life being saved," Quesada said in a memorandum. "While this is the kind of moment that our first responders have extensively trained and are expected to achieve, it feels incredibly humbling to know that they made a difference and should be publicly commended and awarded this highest honor.

"It is a privilege to know our Swampscott first responders will always rise above and beyond the call of duty in the service to our community. Therefore, it is my strong recommendation that all involved be awarded the Life Saving Award."

Quesada also recognized responding firefighters for their quick actions and response.

"It is always a team effort, and this shows the amazing working relationship we have with our firefighters," Quesada said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)