COTTEKILL, NY - On October 7th, 2023, Ulster County 911 received a call for a subject within the hamlet having a medical emergency.  911 immediately dispatched the Cottekill Volunteer Fire Company (CVFC), the Marbletown First Aid Unit (MFAU), and Mobile Life Support Services (MLSS aka Empress Ambulance). 911 also made a medical advisement over the county wide police frequency. 

Rosendale Police Officer Patricia Vincent was first on scene and reported bystanders had initiated CPR. Officer Vincent quickly applied an AED and continued CPR.  MFAU, and first responders from CVFC began to arrive assisting in patient care. MLSS is a Paramedic level provider who upon arrival started advanced life support care. 

These types of incidents demand a significant amount of manpower. Recognizing this, CVFC Captain Tim Fiore requested additional assistance from the High Falls Fire Department. 

Due to the valiant efforts of Officer Vincent, MFAU EMTs Sophia Medici, Paul Medici & Heather Stokes, CVFC EMT Stephanie Winters, and MLSS Paramedic Gerrit Blauvelt, the patient survived. 

Assisting in the background were CVFC Captain Tim Fiore & Firefighter Charles Scully, High Falls Asst. Chief James Nerone, Lieutenant Andrew Feigenbaum, Firefighters Joseph Creegan, Jacob Sherman, Ilan Bachrach & Dick Stokes. 

According to the American Heart Association 10-12% of cardiac arrest victims survive. CPR can double those chances. “Our crew along with Rosendale PD and CVFC worked diligently to save this person's life, despite working outside in the heavy rain.” said Chief Charles Foster, MFAU.  “Job well done by these first responders and bystanders.” said Chief Brad Fiore, CVFC. “Our members are all volunteers, but we train to a professional level, and it shows.”
 
The 6 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:
•    Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
•    Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
•    Rapid defibrillation
•    Advanced resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services and other healthcare providers
•    Post-cardiac arrest care
•    Recovery (including additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation, and psychological support)
A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.