06/01/2026
Every call matters, and sometimes experience makes all the difference.
When crews responded to a patient suffering from chest pain, the initial cardiac monitor did not show the classic signs of a heart attack. Despite the absence of those indicators, our firefighters and paramedics trusted their training, clinical judgment, and experience, treating the patient as though a serious cardiac event was unfolding and began transporting to a cardiac center.
Their instincts proved critical.
While en route to the hospital, the patient suddenly went into cardiac arrest in the back of the ambulance. Thanks to the crew's rapid recognition, immediate intervention, and seamless teamwork, pulses were restored before arriving at the emergency room.
Less than two weeks later, that patient walked out of the hospital and returned home to their family.
Recently, the members of this crew were honored with Life Saving Awards in recognition of their exceptional actions. Please join us in recognizing FF/Paramedic Micah Dayoan, FF/Paramedic Zach Bandfield, Recruit FF/Paramedic Dylan Smith, Engineer/Paramedic Drew Battaglia, Captain Mike Zichichi and Captain AJ Cavagnaro for their life saving actions. Their dedication serves as a reminder that lifesaving care is not just about technology, it's about highly trained professionals making the right decisions when seconds count.
Congratulations to this outstanding crew on a job well done and for making a lasting difference in someone's life.
Not pictured, FF Bandfield, Recruit Smith, Captain Cavagnaro
