OWL Ambulance Crew’s Quick Action Saves a Life
On November 8, 2023, an emergency department doctor at Sentara Lake Ridge diagnosed a patient as having a myocardial infarction (a heart attack). The doctor requested a transport unit to transfer the patient to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s cardio catheterization lab. Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department’s (OWL VFD) Ambulance 502 and Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue’s (DFR) Medic 520 were dispatched.
Upon arrival, the crews found the patient to be alert and oriented. As the crews prepared to move the patient to the cot, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and he became pulseless. Crews, along with the Sentara Emergency Department staff, quickly initiated CPR. After several rounds of CPR and defibrillating the patient twice, the patient regained a pulse.
The patient was transported to Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center’s Emergency Department. Upon arrival, the patient was quickly taken to the cardio catheterization lab, where doctors found three large vessels to be mostly occluded. On November 15th, after a stay in the Sentara Northern Virginia Hospital’s ICU and at Fairfax Hospital’s Cardiology Department, the patient was discharged with no neurological deficits.
OWL VFD Rescue Chief Sandra Williams said, “The crews’ ability to quickly initiate CPR and work together as a team led to a positive outcome for the patient. This has allowed him more time with his family and friends, which is especially meaningful during the holiday season.”
Dr. Kevin Campbell, the acting Operational Medical Director for Prince William County’s Fire and Rescue System, added, “A lot of people were affected by this call, and the crew’s efforts have impacted not only this patient’s life but the lives of his family and friends. The hard work that our crews do every day in serving Prince William County is greatly appreciated.”
During OWL VFD’s monthly company meeting on December 1, both crews were presented with CPR Save Challenge Coins by OWL VFD Rescue Chief Sandra Williams.
Crew members included:
Ambulance 502 Medic 520
EMS Lieutenant Mark Powers Lieutenant Jeremy Bragiel
Driver/EMT Steve Ostrosky Tech II Christopher Paul
EMT Kyle Engborg Tech II Eamonn Radburn
Recruit Blessing Gyasi