On September 22, 2016 at 6:42 p.m., the Berwyn Fire Company and Tredyffrin Township Police Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of Glenhardie Road for a serious accident. The 9-1-1 dispatch report detailed that a child was struck by a vehicle in a driveway and was still pinned underneath the vehicle.

Berwyn Lieutenant Evan Brazunas was first to arrive within two minutes of dispatch as he lives in the same neighborhood. He found the victim completely under the vehicle, but with the help of a bystander was able to pull the victim out from under the vehicle less then five minutes after dispatch.

Upon freeing the patient from being pinned under the car, it was assessed that he was in cardiac arrest. At that time Sergeant Brian Hughes and Corporal Tyler Moyer of the Tredyffrin Police arrived on the scene. Sergeant Hughes began CPR while Corporal Moyer applied an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Lieutenant Brazunas used a bag valve mask (BVM) to provide respirations. The AED shocked the victim one time and shortly after faint pulses and attempts to breathe were noticed. EMS Lieutenant Scott Kramer and Tredyffrin Officer Neil Jackson arrived and assisted with continued CPR.

Upon the arrival of Berwyn Ambulance 2-2 with EMS Captain Michael Baskin, ALS Coordinator Christopher Bickings and EMS Lieutenant Carl Weisbecker, the patient was immediately moved to the ambulance for further advanced medical intervention. The patient was given medications and was intubated. At that time his vital signs began to improve.

The ambulance arrived at Paoli Hospital Trauma center roughly 33 minutes from the original 9-1-1 call. While the expected outcome of this incident was initially believed to be critical, we were happy to find out in the coming days that the patient was recovering with a more positive outlook.

This event highlights the value of the strong teamwork that exists between the Berwyn Fire Company and the Tredyffrin Township Police Department. Both organizations can jointly share in their supportive efforts to save a teenager's life.

Five weeks following the accident, John was released from rehab. On Tuesday, November 1st, some of the Berwyn fire/EMS personnel team who cared for John were able to finally meet him. They are all pleased to report that John is doing very well. He is continuing outpatient rehab and hopes to be back to school by Christmas. This was a miraculous life-saving effort by all involved. Berwyn Fire Company wishes John a continued speedy recovery!

Thank you to John and his family for allowing us to share this lifesaving story.