Veteran Fire Lieutenant Steve Henderson, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest at work, will be at the presentation of the proclamation.Portland Maine – On Monday September 9th, 2013, Mayor Michael Brennan and the Portland City council will recognize 15 Fire department responders and dispatchers for their quick action and teamwork in the resuscitation of Steve Henderson, a decorated fire lieutenant with over 26 years of service with the Portland Fire Department.
Henderson was found without a heartbeat and not breathing slumped over a computer keyboard by David Crowley, a fire fighter/EMT-Intermediate on the morning of July 20th. Henderson was completing required end of shift documentation when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Crowley called 911 and performed CPR until other members, including Paramedics of the Portland fire department arrived.
“This was a team effort, too often this type of event ends with a sad outcome, and I am delighted to say that Steve is home with his family and friends because we were trained, present and prepared.” Chief LaMoria indicates that the department has placed a great deal of emphasis on cardiac care and cardiac arrest resuscitation. “The department has made sure that our crews are trained, prepared and ready to do what needs to be done to ensure the best possible outcome.”
The Portland Fire Department has been recognized in several local and national media outlets for tripling the cardiac arrest survival to discharge from the hospital rates. “New protocols, Training and equipment have made a measurable difference in our response to cardiac arrest victims and Steve’s recovery is the latest and very gratifying example of this hard work”
Chief LaMoria indicates that plans are being made to launch a new initiative to train the public in CPR. “The most important piece of a successful outcome is public involvement. Seconds make a difference, which is why it is so critical that the public understand and are comfortable with administering CPR. The department will begin planning to offer CPR training to the public. I hope that through this effort, today’s story about Steve will become common place.”
Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) revised its training program to emphasize compressions only CPR, with the hope that the public will be more likely to take action when they find someone without a heartbeat. AHA research indicates that compressions only CPR is just as effective as the traditional method of chest compressions with rescue breathing. Nearly 383,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest every year. Eighty-eight percent of them occur at home. As the AHA says, “The life you save with CPR is most likely to be someone you love.”
Where: Portland City Hall
Council Chambers
When: September 9th 2013
Time: Approximately 7:00 PM
