At 07:39 p.m., the (EMFD) received the first call reporting a Signal 9 for a person choking at the at 1868 Front St. in East Meadow.
As Rescue 5 and chiefs were now being alerted, countless other East Meadow volunteers from other companies, many carrying EMS certifications of their own, converged on the scene.
Within two minutes of the call for help, Safety Officer Unit 6155 arrived on the scene with an EMT and paramedic aboard. Immediately a "Code Red" was transmitted via the radio indicating a critical life-threatening emergency for a person who has been choking and was not breathing.
As Chief of Department John J. Priest arrived on the scene, he found his "first in" members working feverishly administering life saving techniques.
Within four minutes of the call, Ambulance 615 arrived on the scene, and a seamless transfer of patient care commenced.
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The patient was transported to the as his condition continued to improve.
At the hospital, as members of Rescue 5 readied and restocked ambulance 615 for the next call, the fruits of their training and perseverance could be seen in the patient sitting up and breathing on his own.
"The members of the EMFD spend countless hours every year training to be prepared for an event such as this," East Meadow Fire Chief John Priest said. "I am extremely proud of my members, not just for this call, but every day. However today, these members should be very proud of themselves, knowing full well that they saved a human life."
In all, 14 medically certified East Meadow volunteers responded to the scene including CFR-D's (Certified First Responder with Defibrillation), EMT's, EMT-CC's and Paramedics.
In recent years the members of the East Meadow Fire Department EMS system have been successful in restoring a life on a number of occasions. On this day it was no different.
Once again our hats off to the crew Rescue Company 5, and all those members from several other companies, not called upon, but who monitored their radios and dropped what they were doing to be there for someone in need.
This is a breaking news story. Patch will provide more information as it's made available.
