County Dispatcher Recognizes 9-1-1 Caller Going into Cardiac Event – Quick Response Restores Patient’s Pulse

The City of Cortland Fire Department says just before 8 in the evening on Friday, December 13th, their department was activated for a medical call within the City of Cortland’s 6th Ward. Cortland Fire says as they were responding to the address, a dispatcher from Cortland County Dispatch, had lost contact with the caller and recognized the caller may be having a cardiac event.

The dispatcher then provided Cortland Fire with the information of a possible cardiac event to which additional fire responders were dispatched to the address. Upon arrival at the address, a patient was found in cardiac arrest. First responders immediately began CPR and placed a defibrillator on the patient. Cortland Fire says the patient was twice defibrillated before a pulse returned and consciousness.

“Their immediate response, high-quality CPR, and timely defibrillation were crucial in restoring the patient’s pulse. The team’s coordinated efforts and sound clinical decisions continued to provide excellent care, resulting in the patient being alert and responsive prior to transport.” Cortland Fire said in a release.

The patient was later transported via ambulance to Syracuse with an ALS provider from Cortland Fire providing assistance in the transportation. Assisting during the call with Cortland Fire was Cortland County Dispatch, Cortland Police, and TLC Ambulance.