A great team, comprised of DPD Officers and members of Downingtown Fire & EMS, was recognized recently at the May Borough Council meeting for their efforts in saving a human life. On an early May evening last year, DPD Officers responded, along with Downingtown Fire & EMS, to the Downingtown West High School Athletic Fields for an adult male who was in cardiac arrest. Officer Taylor arrived within 3 minutes of dispatch and was followed closely by Officers Cole Burkhart and Jackson Giedgowd. The officers confirmed that the male was in cardiac arrest, applied an automated external defibrillator (AED), and began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The patient received one shock from the AED prior to the arrival of Downingtown Fire & EMS. Officers then continued to assist EMS as the patient regained consciousness until the patient was transferred to an ambulance. The male was then taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

The male patient had suffered a severe blockage of one of his coronary arteries prior to his cardiac arrest. Because of the excellent care that was initiated by Officers from the Downingtown Police Department and enhanced by Downingtown Fire & EMS, further medical intervention by the hospital’s cardiovascular surgery team was possible, and the patient was able to be discharged from the hospital and begin his recovery just 2 days after his cardiac arrest.

Mayor Deuso and Chief Brazunas presented Lifesaving Awards to Officer Christopher Taylor, Officer Cole Burkhart, Officer Jackson Giedgowd, Paramedic Emma Diaz, Paramedic Scott Kristiniak, EMT Brian DeFrancesco, and EMT Zachary Munin. Chief Brazunas said, “This great team that you see before you is recognized for their personal initiative, alertness, dedication to duty, and professional actions which resulted in a coordinated effort to save a human life.”