Ansonia Rescue earns another Lifesaver award

384
(Linda Moody photo)

ANSONIA – For the second time this year, members of the Ansonia Area Emergency Services (AAES) received the Lifesaver Award, this time from Upper Valley Medical Center and the first time from Miami Valley Hospital.

Honored Wednesday night at the Ansonia United Methodist Church were: Chief Crystal Horne (paramedic); AVFD Chief Christopher Widener, an EMT-A; and Shaina Schlomann and Malachi Holt (unable to attend), both EMT-Bs.

Representing Premier, (Upper Valley) were EMS Coordinator Mark Senseman; Dr. McKinley; Elizabeth Sheridan, a supervisor; and Ashley Gulker, director of the emergency department.

Senseman said that this was a good job done by all.

“He stated that the initial crew did a good job recognizing that this was a serious cardiac event and requesting additional ALS (Advanced Life Support) paramedics,” Horne said. ”He also said a good job by sending in the data from our cardiac monitor and calling the hospital to give a patient care report. All of these steps have painted a clear picture of their staff to be prepared and ready for our arrival. “

Also in attendance was Bill Barga, whose life they saved. The 68-year-old went from table to table talking to those in attendance.

He also addressed the crowd, “I thank the community. I thought I had heartburn and was pacing in the house. Then, I broke out into a cold sweat. I knew something major was going to happen. I was waiting outside when the ambulance and fire department got there. I’ve been told I’m lucky to be here.”

The call was made at 6:04 p.m. Nov. 11 to Weaver Road west of Rossburg.

“Prior to AAES arrival on the scene. Rossburg FD was with the patient and assisted in loading the patient into the ambulance,” said Horne. “Robbie Widener of Rossburg FD drove the second responding Rossburg Fire truck transporting Chris Widener and me to the scene. Great job was done by all our firefighters. We had an amazing crew in the back with Bill. Everything went as it should. This was the perfect outcome of teamwork.

It was noted that CareFlight was not able to fly that night due to weather conditions and the closest Mobile ICU was at Miami Valley Hospital.

“Our decision to take our patient to UVMC was imperative to his survival,” she said. “He needed a Cardiac Cath Lab. Taking a patient to the most appropriate facility may not always be the closest facility. The Crew at UVMC was top-notch. They were prepared as we walked through the doors. The communication from Dr. Hillary McKinley, the cardiologist, and staff was impressive.”

It was noted that Barga had coded four times before leaving his residence and four more times at the hospital. He was defibrillated each time.

“A widowmaker heart attack is a type of heart attack in which you have a full blockage in your heart’s biggest artery,” Horne reported. ”.This artery, the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, sends oxygen-rich blood to your heart’s left ventricle. By definition, Bill did have a 100 percent block of his LAD the widowmaker.”

Barga has served on the AAES board representing his township.

“Bill means so much to our squad,” Horne said. “He has always been a steady voice of reason, a problem-solver, and someone whose laugh could lift anyone’s spirits. His laugh is infectious!! These are the things we treasure about him, and we look forward to enjoying them for many, many years to come.”

The AAES chief reflected on their mission: “One of the hardest parts of our job is the uncertainty. Once we deliver a patient to the hospital, we often don’t learn what happens next. This time, the hospital’s EMS Coordinator Mark Senseman kept me updated with emails, and I can’t express how grateful I was for that. Wednesday night, being reunited with Bill at the Lifesaver Award ceremony was one of the most profound moments of my career. Seeing him healthy, laughing and being Bill was the best feeling in the world. This can’t be done without teamwork. I cannot stress that enough. Every person had a vital role in this call. Our successful outcome was a direct result of the outstanding teamwork and commitment of each one of the firefighters and EMT/paramedics.”

She concluded, “It is truly an honor for our team to be recognized with the Lifesaver Award twice in just six months. This achievement reflects the dedication, skill, and hard work of every member of our crew, who are committed to serving and protecting our community. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this recognition only strengthens our resolve to continue providing the highest level of care in times of need.”