Early CPR & Defibrillation help save a life

On 8/27/19 at approximately 5pm, Norton Police and Fire were dispatched to a home at 250 Mansfield Avenue for an unconscious male. Lieutenant Thomas Petersen, who was working a detail for Xfinity at the entrance to the mobile home park at 250 Mansfield Avenue, quickly responded and was first to arrive on scene.  Patrolmen Jarrad Morse and Bryan King also were dispatched and responded.   A neighbor, who is a Paramedic from Foxboro Fire, FF Mike Wellington, assisted as well.

All collaborated in performing CPR and utilizing the Automated External Defibillator (AED) from one of the cruisers before additional rescue personnel arrived.  The patient then got a pulse back and began spontaneous breathing on his own.

Norton Firefighters Ed Burgess and Tom Schmidt assisted the patient with a basic airway, BVM, and O2 for a short time before the patient opened his eyes and began looking around.  Upon the fire/rescue’s arrival, Capt. Wilson, Firefighter Lt. Wood, Firefighters Hughes and Dyer placed the patient on a monitor and he successfully cardioverted to a normal rhythm and was speaking coherently to all the providers.  The patient was placed in the ambulance and transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital without incident.

The teamwork involved, including the dispatchers getting important information and giving updates, made a difference in saving this resident’s life.