Retired Milford Fire Paramedic Springs Into Action To Save Life

MILFORD, CT — A retired fire department paramedic sprang into action when a person went into cardiac arrest while a class was being held at Milford CrossFit, according to Fire Battalion Chief and Public Information Officer Adam Hansen.

During the CrossFit class, someone came running in and yelled, "We need a doctor." Retired Milford Fire Department battalion chief and paramedic Dan Wassmer was coaching the class.

Before coming to the patient's side, Wassmer instructed someone to “grab the AED,” or automated external defibrillator.

He arrived at the patient's side and found that they were in cardiac arrest, according to Hansen. He immediately started CPR. Wassmer had taught a CPR class the day prior at Gateway Community College and "was 100% prepared for the situation in front of him."

He and a second emergency medical services professional performed CPR and a single shock was delivered from the AED. They were able to restore the patient's pulse, and the patient began to breathe on their own again.

The patient was transported to a Bridgeport emergency department for further treatment by Milford Fire Department and EMS crews.

"Due to Retired BC Wassmer’s early recognition, his knowledge/skills/abilities, and the fact that accessible/working AED’s were present at the business/facility, the patient has since been released from the hospital. He is at home, recovering well and has a great outlook!

"Strong Work Retired BC Dan Wassmer!!"