Press Release - Paramedics Recognized for Critical Decision

Date/Time of Occurrence:	December 20, 2005 , 9:30 a.m.
Nature of Occurrence:	Announcement
Location:	1229 I St.
City:	Sacramento
Business Name:	Fire Station 2
MapQuest Link:	Click Here to See Map
Contact:	Captain Chad Augustin
Phone:	916-216-0252
Email:	nking@sfd.cityofsacramento.org

SACRAMENTO – Sacramento Fire Department’s Engine and Medic Company Two will be recognized for their outstanding efforts and critical skills that led to saving a man’s life during a medical emergency that occurred about three weeks ago. The Fire Companies will be recognized by Mercy General Hospital’s Cardiovascular Services Department.

A few weeks ago, Sacramento Fire Department’s Engine and Medic Two responded to a medical emergency where a male patient was complaining of a sudden onset of severe chest pain. The man was assessed by the fire companies and then loaded onto the medic unit to be transported to a local area hospital. The patient requested to go to his hospital, Kaiser South, where he had received previous treatment. Within just a couple of minutes of taking vital signs and reading the patients heart rhythm, the paramedics decided to take the patient to Mercy General knowing that the best treatment for him would be in a cardiac catheter lab.

The Paramedics, Shannon Panameno and Brian Guinn, notified Mercy General Hospital that they were heading to their facility and appropriately prepared them for their patients needed treatment. Within minutes of their arrival, the patient was taking to the catheter lab and the critical treatment diagnosed by the medics proved to be a success.

Thanks to the rapid decision making and accurate analysis of the patient’s signs and symptoms, the Sacramento Fire Department Paramedics prompted a process that proved to be a success. Within twenty minutes of the man placing a 911 call for help, he was in the hospital room receiving treatment that ultimately saved his life.

All media is invited to come and meet Shannon Panameno and Brian Guinn, and the crew from Engine Company Two, as they are recognized by Mercy General Hospitals Cardiovascular Services Personnel.

Public Information Officer:

Battalion Chief Niko King