Peconic Bay Medical Center recognizes Ridge EMS

Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) celebrates National EMS Week and recognizes two Ridge EMS first responders for their heroic response to a 56-year-old patient suffering from a heart attack that saved the patient’s life. National EMS Week recognizes EMS members all across the country for the work they do to keep our communities safe. During this event, PBMC executive director Amy Loeb presented paramedic Nicholas Viscusi and First Lieutenant Ray Berard with a certificate of recognition, acknowledging their efforts and outstanding service to the community.

“The Ridge EMS responders demonstrated exemplary medical service tactics while simultaneously having a quick response, ultimately saving a man’s life,” said Loeb. “Their teamwork and efficiency are a testament to their dedication to keeping our community safe and healthy.”

When Nicholas Viscusi and Ray Berard arrived on the scene, they immediately sprang into action to aid the patient, giving him the necessary medications. At the same time, they notified the hospital of the patient’s condition. An EKG was taken and sent to PBMC’s cardiac catheterization team, allowing them to prepare and be ready at the hospital entrance upon his arrival.

Once the patient arrived at PBMC, the patient was found to have a 100% blockage in one of his coronary arteries. In just 52 minutes, Rohit Maini, MD, interventional cardiologist at PBMC and the catheterization team successfully re-opened the artery removing the blockage. From the time of the EKG performed by the Ridge EMS to the time of the balloon insertion, just 84 minutes had passed, showing both teams’ superb dedication and execution. The universal medical standard is to recognize and identify these patients early so their vessels can be opened within 90 minutes or less.

“Attending to a patient during transport is not an easy task, especially while someone’s life is in your hands,” said Jason Groff, Northwell Health CEMS Paramedic Supervisor and PBMC EMS Liaison. “The Ridge EMS responders did the right thing every step of the way, from performing the EKG to early communication to the hospital. When it comes to heart health, time is one of the most crucial factors. Having an expert and expedient EMS unit on the scene significantly increases the chances of saving lives.”

For more information about Peconic Bay Medical Center, visit www.pbmchealth.org.