PGFD Firefighter/Medics Awarded for Life-Saving Actions

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO

Several Prince George's County Firefighter/Medics were recognized today for their role in saving the life of a victim involved in a motor vehicle crash. Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor was joined by Deputy Fire Chiefs Barksdale and McClelland in presenting County Emergency Services Awards and Exemplary Firefighter Awards issued by former Maryland State Delegate Darren Swain.

Personnel receiving awards:

Engine 805

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Robert C. Kight, Jr.
Fire Fighter Jay W. Johnston
Fire Fighter John A. Princiotta

Ambulance 805

Fire Fighter/Medic Christopher M. DeForest
Fire Fighter Thomas Jacobs

Medic 846

Fire Fighter/Medic Lieutenant Chad W. Smart
Fire Fighter/Medic Tracey J. Daily

The awards were presented at the St. Joes Fire/EMS Station in Springdale. The following is a description of their actions.

On the evening of Sunday, June 15, 2014, units from Capitol Heights Fire/EMS Stations 805 and Largo Medic 846 responded to the 7600 block of Central Avenue for a reported motor vehicle collision. Callers to Public Safety Communications (PSC) described the accident as involving a single vehicle, “with possible injuries.” Crews from Station 805 arrived on the scene to find an SUV that had gone off the roadway onto a grassy area. It had struck a large concrete curb and culvert leading into a parking lot, incurring moderate front-end damage with airbag deployment. Ensuring the scene was safe, crews approached the vehicle and observed its driver standing outside and two victims trapped inside. Immediately, Command was established and additional resources were requested. A 50-year-old female front seated passenger was pulseless and not breathing, while a 74-year-old female had been ejected from the rear up into the console area. She was positioned upside down and entangled in the seat belt of the victim seated in the front. As crews were attempting to place a collar on her, they realized she was no longer breathing. Following a rapid extrication, without the use of any heavy-duty equipment, the patient was disentangled and removed through the driver’s door. She was then loaded into Ambulance 805 and ventilations were initiated. A primary assessment revealed that while she had stopped breathing she had a strong carotid and radial pulses.

Medic 846 arrived on the scene and took control of the patient. The crew hurriedly boarded Ambulance 805 and began assisting with patient care. The critically injured woman was transported to Prince George’s Trauma Center, with Ambulance 805 and Medic 846’s crew working intensely to give her the best possible chance for survival.

The patient remained unconscious during the ride to the trauma center but was attempting to breathe on her own. According to hospital staff, she regained consciousness the next day and the breathing tube was removed. The woman was discharged to a rehabilitation facility six days later, at which time she was alert, oriented, and showed no evidence of any residual significant traumatic injuries.

Tragically, the accident did claim the life of one person and seriously injured another. However, the organized teamwork and rapid care provided on this incident prevented what likely would have been multiple fatalities.

While presenting the awards today Fire Chief Bashoor told each of the recipients, "Your performance on the scene of the aforementioned incident significantly contributed to saving the life of a gravely injured patient. Therefore, you are hereby awarded a Fire/EMS Department Emergency Service Award. Your actions not only speak well of you personally but also illustrate the excellent caliber of service the Fire/EMS Department strives to provide to the citizens of Prince George’s County."