Situational awareness is essential not only on the fireground, but in everyday life.
It was that mantra that Lynn Fire Lt. Joel Abreu embraces that made the difference for a recruit who suffered a sudden cardiac event at the Massachusetts Fire Training Academy last week.
While watching the recruits leaving the burn building after an exercise, he saw one who was unsteady.
"Upon assessing the recruit's condition, Lt. Abreu's foresight in requesting a debrillator as a precautionay measure proved to be a critical decision..." officials wrote on the department's Facebook page.
Not long after, the recruit went into cardiac arrest.
Abreu applied the AED and four rounds of CPR followed.
"The positive outcome of this incident, with the recruit regaining consciousness, is a testament to Lt. Abreu's skill, composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of those under his care. His actions not only saved a life but also set an exemplary standard for all fire service personnel."
In a statement on Abreu's actions, Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan wrote: "...His actions embody the core values of our profession: courage, dedication and service to others..."
Sullivan lauded the lieutenant's exceptional performance and life-saving interventin.
