Greenwich Police Officer Saves Man's Life

Master Police Officer David Colbree has been named the Greenwich Police Department’s Officer of the Month for the month of August.

On Aug. 6 Colbree was dispatched to the New York Sports Club on a report of a subject in cardiac arrest. He was the first emergency worker to arrive on the scene and discovered that medical assistance was being administered to the patient by a civilian Good Samaritan who had some training in CPR.

An assessment revealed that the patient was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Colbree utilizing his medical training and issued equipment shocked the patient with an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and continued CPR. The patient survived the cardiac arrest due to immediate CPR, quick application of the AED, and the superior pre-hospital care by all first responders and especially Colbree.

According to Greenwich Emergency Medical Service Deputy Director Art Romano, “Greenwich Emergency Medical Service [GEMS] paramedics followed and initiated advanced life support treatments including medications to stabilize the patient’s newly restored heart rhythm. The patient was then transported by GEMS to the awaiting team at Greenwich Hospital’s Emergency Department.

The Town of Greenwich is structured to mirror the “Chain of Survival” concept as endorsed by the American Heart Association. While the national average for successful resuscitations in the out of hospital setting hovers around 9 percent, stories like this are not rare in Greenwich. In 2013, Greenwich’s “save rate” was 40 percent, according to Romano.

Romano said, “This trend towards success in the treatment of cardiac arrests began in 1997, when AED’s were introduced into our first response system. The Greenwich Police Department embraced this enhancement of their vital role as medical first responders, and five cardiac arrest victims were saved within the first 6 months of this new program. Today, all police cars and patrol boats carry these devices and all police officers have extensive training in their use.”

Police Chief James Heavey said Colbree’s award, “Our department is always striving to provide superior police services and at the GPD, that includes emergency medical care. In this instance MPO Colbree’s professional demeanor, decisive action, and medical knowledge all came together to insure the best possible outcome for the patient. On behalf of the patient, his family, and the community I commend your actions.”

Contributed photo: Master Police Officer David Colbree.