Stamford Police Save Golfer's Life

Two of Stamford Police Department’s finest are being called heroes for saving the life of a golfer who suffered a cardiac episode at the Sterling Farms Golf Course on Tuesday.

Lt. Tom Scanlon and Officer Frank Laconna are being credited with saving the life of a 64-year-old man who became ill.

Shortly before noon on Tuesday, the victim was approached by another golfer at the golf course and said he wasn’t feeling well, perhaps the extreme heat was getting to him, according to Stamford Police. “While being driven back to the parking lot via golf cart, the victim had slumped over in his seat and began breathing in a labored manner. Upon arriving back to the starter station, the victim appeared to be lifeless and unresponsive. The gentleman who drove the victim to the starter station immediately called 911,” police said.

Scanlon, while at Sterling Farms Golf Course on routine patrol, alerted dispatch to start EMS and pulled the victim off of the cart and onto the ground. It was confirmed he had no pulse and was not breathing.

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Scanlon started CPR while calling for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which was quickly provided by a Sterling Farms employee, police said. The AED was applied and delivered a shock to the chest area. Laconna then arrived on scene and took over, continuing CPR. The victim’s condition began to change and he had some labored breathing/agonal respirations, however, Scanlon was unable to detect a pulse. Both Scanlon and Laconna continued with lifesaving CPR.

When EMS and Stamford Fire Department personnel arrived, they took over with advanced life support care. The victim regained a heart rhythm and was transported to Stamford Hospital for treatment.

It was confirmed later that day the victim was in the ICU at Stamford Hospital where tests were being conducted to confirm what had caused the cardiac issue.

Police said, “Because of Lt. Scanlon and Officer Laconna’s swift actions, the victim’s life was saved. Excellent job by both.”

Photo courtesy of Stamford Police: Lt. Tom Scanlon.