By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
The City of South Padre Island recently commemorated the outstanding performance of their first responders for earning the Phoenix Award after resuscitating a patient in cardiac arrest. The city council recognized the first responders during the Nov. 20 meeting.
“The Phoenix Award recognizes those situations where the patient is able to walk out the hospital, fully functioning, after a life-threatening event,” said Firefighter Chief Jim Pigg. Pigg continued to offer context on the event and what occurred. On Oct. 22, officers and EMS were dispatched in regard to an unresponsive 82-year-old male.
SPI Police Officer David Lard performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] on the man. The patient was then given two automated external defibrillator [AED] shots by SPI Police Sergeant Aaron Phillips and continued CPR from Pedro Casillas and emergency medical technician [EMT] Alexandria Alaniz. Afterward, Chris De Leon and Mike Melchor took over patient breathing using “advanced methods.” Leon is a lieutenant, firefighter and licensed paramedic. Melchor is also a licensed paramedic and firefighter. Paramedic Firefighter Michael Norman applied a cardiac monitor to the patient and immediately identified a heart rhythm that needed correction, and stabilized the patient.
Pigg announced that the patient woke up at the hospital on Nov. 19 and was awaiting physical therapy. Before leaving the podium, Pigg made a point about the excellence he sees in his team daily.
“I could be here giving props [at] just about every council meeting…this staff and this team are awesome,” said Pigg.
To view the official presentation, visit the official Facebook page for the City of SPI.
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