Off-duty Firefighter Ken Labarbera from Engine 168, off-duty EMT James Manti from Station 16 and retired Lieutenant Fred Capetta were exercising at a New York Sports Club when they saw someone helping a man who had fallen off a Stairmaster, according to an FDNY release.
Before long, all three were at the man's side to assist. They initiated CPR, and hooked up to an AED, which indicated the victim had no pulse, and that a shock was advised.
As they continued work, the victim continued to show signs of improvement. He regained consciousness, and even struggled as he was being removed from the gym by EMS personnel, the report stated.
He was transported him to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he is recovering.
Firefighter Labarbera -- who said he learned later that the victim taught his brother's baseball team when he was a boy -- added that it was a little nerve-wracking to be working without his gear, but said, "I've done it while on duty before, so it felt natural."
Lt. Ryan said the victim's nephew, who is also a firefighter, called to thank the company afterwards and he said he had done the same thing after his brother had gone into cardiac arrest while out to dinner a few years ago. He has since made a full recovery.
