mobanmarketSOUTHAMPTON, NY — The Southampton Fire Department’s annual chicken and ribs BBQ fundraiser is a beloved event every summer, where dedicated volunteers come together to share laughter and memories and enjoy a delicious meal for a good cause.
But this Saturday’s barbecue is one no one who attended will ever forget: An army of heroes came together to save the life of a man who collapsed at the event.
The Southampton Fire Department hosted its annual fundraiser Saturday to raise funds for its Benevolent Association and the organization’s antique truck committee, said Chris Brenner, ex chief and public information officer for the Southampton Fire Department.
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“The night started off with many people enjoying the food and festivities,” he said.
At about 6:30 p.m., a man who was attending the event suddenly collapsed in front of the stage, Brenner said.
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“Within seconds, four paramedics and five EMTs from the Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance — who were off duty and attending the event — as well as numerous firefighters, were at the patient’s side,” Brenner said.
The man was gray, had no pulse, was exhibiting agonal breathing — the medical term describes someone who is not getting enough oxygen and is gasping for air — and was determined to be in cardiac arrest, Brenner said.
CPR was initiated and an AED was applied, Brenner said.
“Numerous rounds of CPR were performed and just prior to the ambulance’s arrival, the patient began to breathe and regained his pulse,” he said.
The man was then transported by the Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance to an awaiting medevac and then, to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.
As of Wednesday, the man was still alive and making progress toward his recovery, Brenner said.
Southampton Fire Department Assistant Chiefs Polis Walker and Richard Fowler, as well as Southampton Village Volunteer ambulance chief Kyle McGuinness and Assistant Chief Colby Gill, were all on scene — and would like to commend everyone involved in the “successful revival of a pulseless patient,” Brenner said. “Southampton FD and the Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance train for incidents on a regular basis, and on that night the hard work and training paid off.”
Brenner added that those at the event were visibly moved by the dramatic save — a vivid reminder of why they selflessly dedicate their lives to serving others.
“It was amazing what everyone did — a great team effort,” Brenner said.
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