Second Chance Breakfast 2007

Every year thousands of people throughout the country die from Cardiac Arrest.

Cardiac Arrest occurs from a variety of different medical reasons of which in most adults can occur from a sudden blockage to a coronary vessel which causes massive damage to the heart and the heart stops. In children the primary reason for cardiac arrest is from difficulty breathing, either due to a pre-existing medical condition or choking from a toy or small object.

A call that comes into the 911 system in NYC as a cardiac and/or Respiratory Arrest is a top priority and the Fire Department immediately dispatches a Paramedic Ambulance and an Emergency Medical Technician ambulance. In many instances a fire engine company is also dispatched. Each unit has its own purpose.

Fire Engine companies outnumber EMS units throughout the city and are within 4 mins. of most parts of the city. There are approximately 14000 Fire Fighters of which approx. 2000 are trained as Certified First Responders.

EMT units are staffed with NYS Emergency Medical Technicians, who provide basic life support, including Defibrillation, and CPR. There are approx. 2700 EMTs in NYC as part of the Fire Department.

Parmedic units are staffed by NYS Certified Paramedics and can provide advanced life support, including advanced airway support, medications, intravenous access, and EKGs. There are approximately 500 Paramedics throughout the city under the Fire Department.

These photos are of some of the people resucitated. The are here today as the result of the experience, training, and rapid deployment of EMS personnel in NYC. Had these men and women not responded or not be available there is no doubt that the survivors here would have been deceased.

Chief John Peruggia, Chief Salvatore Cassano, Commissioner Scoppetta, Paramedic Jonathan Damato and Paramedic John Rosati from Staten Island, Battalion 22