Phoenix Awards presented to police officers, firefighters, and EMS…

Over the past weekend, the Sussex County Emergency Medical Services honored police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel with the Phoenix Award, an award given to public safety personnel directly responsible for saving a person’s life such that the person is able to have a full recovery.

“The name comes from the mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes,” says Lars Granholm, Supervisor Liaison – Sussex County EMS. “On many calls, public safety personnel might be able to get a pulse on the scene. But this Phoenix Award recognizes those situations where the patient is able to walk out of the hospital fully functioning after a life threatening event.”

All first responders collaborate as a team and perform CPR with hopes that the patient is able to make a complete recovery and walk out of the hospital.  Response time is critical during a cardiac arrest. If first responders can’t get there in the 4 to 6 minute window to prevent brain death, the potential for a patient’s complete recovery is reduced.

The Phoenix Award honors personnel that truly saved a person’s life in the fullest sense, not just kept them alive.

During the Phoenix Recognition Ceremony, five (5) members of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company received recognition for their efforts that resulted in successful recoveres with the patient being able to walk out of the hospital fully functioning after a life threatening event. These volunteers were:

•       Steven Deery, Jr.

•       Patrick Miller

•       Thomas Charles

•       Guy Gosselin

•       Charles Tancini

Additional information may be obtained by viewing the following link:  https://www.capegazette.com/article/first-responders-are-true-unsung-heroes/272813