4 East Quogue EMTs Honored For 'Heroic' Save: 'They Were 1 Step Ahead'

EAST QUOGUE, NY — Four East Quogue Fire Department first responders were honored recently for saving a patient, 78, who was having a heart attack.

Peconic Bay Medical Center held a recognition ceremony to thank the first responders, whose "quick thinking and thorough reporting" made all the difference — and helped the PBMC cardiovascular team to operate effectively. The award ceremony was held at the East Quogue Fire Department.

“The East Quogue Fire Department team demonstrated life-saving, quick-thinking ability that ultimately saved a man’s life,” said Peconic Bay Medical Center Executive Director Amy Loeb. “The first responders worked together to quickly attend to the patient and transport him to the hospital. They were one step ahead—and are a major reason why this is a patient success story. Their teamwork and efficiency are testament to their dedication to keeping our community safe and healthy. We were proud to honor their heroic efforts and thank them for their partnership in our shared mission of saving lives throughout the region.”

When Hector Feliciano, Ann Naughton, George Desmarais, and Sam Crooke arrived on the scene, they quickly stepped into action, pre-notifying the hospital of the patient’s condition and treating him with atropine and fluid. An EKG was taken and sent to PBMC’s cardiac catheterization team, allowing them to prepare and be ready at the hospital entrance upon his arrival, PBMC said.

“Often times the life-saving work of first responders goes unnoticed,” said Jason Groff, Northwell CEMS paramedic supervisor and PBMC EMS liaison. “We’re thankful for the work they do every day and are thrilled to be able to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Once the patient was transported to the hospital, the catheterization team successfully performed a balloon angioplasty to open the blocked coronary artery in 25 minutes. From the time that EMS arrived on the scene to the opening of the artery, it took 62 minutes, well ahead of the set goal of 90 minutes.

“This was the fastest that we were able to get to and repair an artery causing a patient’s heart attack that I can remember, and it’s all thanks to the fact that the East Quogue unit got the patient to the hospital fast and that they sent us an EKG early,” said Annemarie Dillon, director of patient care, cardiac services and critical care at PBMC. “When it comes to heart health, time is one of the most crucial factors. Having an expert and expedient team of first responders on the scene significantly increases the chances of saving lives.”