Cheltenham Township honored multiple EMS First Responders for their efforts in resuscitating a 21-month-old who nearly drowned in Wyncote on May 26.
The following were recognized at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, September 18:
Life Saving Awards
- Cheltenham EMS: Layne Shore, Cliff Mungavin
- Second Alarmers Rescue Squad: Jeff Tarman, Russ Bogoly
- CTPD: Lee Thompson
Cheltenham Police Department Unit Citation
- Max Bernstein
- Brett Thomas
- Christian Dobush
- Brian Walsh
- Zachery Koerper
The commendations were presented by EMS Chief Jessica Barto and Police Chief John Slavin. A video of the meeting can be viewed here.
Excerpt from the Life Saving Awards:
On May 26, 2024 at 19:47 hrs, while on duty at Cheltenham Township EMS, you responded to a call for a drowning in the Wyncote section of Cheltenham Township. Upon arrival at the location, you found a child in cardiac arrest. PD reported the child was discovered in the pool with an unknown down time. Family performed CPR until PD arrived. EMS and PD worked collectively to perform lifesaving interventions. The resuscitation efforts were succesful, and the child is now back home with family. This was an extremely stressful call, yet it was handled as a team in an expeditious and professional manner. This is the epitome of why we do what we do.
Excerpt from the Unit Citation:
Upon arrival, Officer Lee Thompson immediately assessed the child, who was barely clinging to life, and took swift action to clear the airway and restore breathing. His decisive intervention in moving the child to a more suitable location for continued lifesaving efforts was crucial. Officer Brett Thomas, leveraging his EMT training, provided essential support to EMS personnel, ensuring that the child received the highest level of care possible.
Officers Dobush and Bernstein assisted EMS by retrieving necessary medical supplies, while Officers Walsh, Bernstein, and Thompson expertly coordinated a transport plan, facilitating a rapid and secure transport of the patient to Abington Memorial Hospital. Officer Koerper conducted thorough field interviews to gather vital information, further contributing to the successful outcome.”
“On behalf of all Township staff and the Board of Commissioners, we commend and thank these first responders for their dedication to duty, their swift actions, and their commitment to the well-being and safety of all in Cheltenham Township,” the township said in a statement.
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Photo: Cheltenham Township