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Firefighters save one of their
own
November 1, 2005
On October 31, 2005 North Boston Firefighter James Carr was
watching Monday Night Football with his wife, Joyce, when he suffered a cardiac
arrest. Joyce immediately called 911. The Carr’s happen to live next to the fire
hall where Jim has been a 39 year member. Two of their children; Robin and
Rodney, who are both members of the fire company and Robin for the Boston
Emergency Squad; live in close proximity.
When they heard the call dispatched they went running to their
father’s aid. Both are trained in first aid and CPR. They recognized their
father was in cardiac arrest and began CPR.
Less than a
minute later Assistant Chief Bernas arrived on location with an AED and placed
it on Jim. He was shocked twice.
Chief Crotty intubated, administered medications , and a 3rd shock
was given. Mr. Carr now had pulses with limited respiratory effort.
Emergency Medical personnel from the Boston Emergency Squad arrived on location
with their advanced life support equipment.
Mr. Carr was transported to South Buffalo Mercy Hospital by the Boston EMS
Paramedics where he was admitted to the ICU. He was eventually extubated and
underwent angioplasty. On November 9th James was discharged home from the
hospital. Without the Carr family’s quick response, most notably their two
children Robin Mead and Rodney Carr, James would not be here today.
Also a
pivotal key to this story is the quick response of an AED and advanced life
support which increased the chances of survival. The Boston Emergency Squad and
the North Boston Volunteer Fire Company along with the American Heart
Association wish to recognize the following members for making a difference and
being the angels that watched over James Carr in his time of need: Robin Mead,
Rodney Carr, Sean Crotty, David Bernas, David Measer, Joseph Wells, Christopher
Muraco, Donald O’Bryant, Jackie Koch, Jack Braun and Michael Frank.
In addition, the American Heart Association is donating monies to
the Boston Emergency Squad toward the purchase of an additional AED to be placed
in their response vehicles to help decrease the amount of time it takes to have
an AED in place on a victim suffering from cardiac arrest.
The North Boston Fire Company fleet of 6 vehicles, as well as their Fire
Station, is all fully equipped with AEDs. The Fire Company is being featured in
the New York State Fire Chiefs Publication in January for that fact. In
emergencies such as these, where seconds count, AEDs are responding when the
emergency is reported to fire officials.
Biography
on James Carr:
James A. Carr began his volunteer fire service career on November
7, 1966. Since his acceptance in the North Boston Fire Company, his involvement
and impact has been great. Not only does he continue to provide us with his
leadership and experience, but he has also brought his family members in full
circle. With his daughter and one son in the active ranks, between them they
have over 70 years of active fire service, and a worthy compliment of
experience. His wife and daughter are both very active in the Ladies Auxiliary
as they have been for years. Since his acceptance, he as held the positions of:
1968-70 Treasurer
1972-74 Second Assistant Chief
1975-77 First Assistant Chief
1978-80 Chief
1981-present Director
1983-84 Asst Fire Radio Coordinator (D-4)
1984-2005 Fire Radio Coordinator (D-4)
**Fire Radio Coordinator is for Boston-Colden-East Eden Fire Council
Jim’s active role in the community in various organizations, and tight family
bond, is enough for us younger people to look up to. Between Jim’s activity in
the organization and his daily jobs he performs, this organization wouldn’t be
the same without the service of this man. His extreme knowledge in building
trades, construction and general fire service experience, has made building the
principals easier to comprehend. Jim continues, like he has for years, to be in
the Top 10 responders for the North Boston Fire Company. Jim earned his Life
Member status November 7, 1991. Jim has earned Firefighter of the Year multiple
times, as well receiving the North Boston Fire Company Outstanding Service
Award, Erie County Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization Fire Service Award, and Town
of Boston Citizen of the year in 2004.
Any questions should be directed to Chief Sean Crotty-
foghorn811@verizon.net or 649-0974
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