Fallon Ambulance Paramedics Honored For Saving Man's Life During Ryder Cup

Fallon Ambulance Service has honored two of its paramedics for their recent role in saving the life of a man who was stricken by a heart attack during the recent Ryder Cup Tournament.

Paramedics Vinnie Ludwig of West Roxbury, MA and David Santilli of Bridgewater, MA were commended by the management of the 64-year old ambulance company, which provides 9-1-1 service to the town of Brookline, where the Ryder Cup was played.

Fallon, Brookline Fire Department part of medical rescue effort

While everyone attending the Ryder Cup undoubtedly hoped that the biggest excitement of the day would be a dramatic shot from Tiger Woods, a very different scene was being played out at the 13th hole where Tiger was teeing off.

Holliston, MA resident Wayne Elliott, who was watching the match, fell to the ground, the apparent victim of a heart attack. Both the Brookline Fire Department and paramedics from Fallon Ambulance responded. Ludwig was the first provider of advanced life support care.

Dr. Charles Pozner, Director of Prehospital Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, had the responsibility of coordinating the medical response team that would be in place during the Ryder Cup Tournament. He said, "Vinnie was on the scene within 40 seconds and found the gentleman in cardiac arrest. He provided defibrillation, or electric shock, which got the man's heart to start beating again."

Prior to Ludwig's defibrillating the patient, members of the Brookline Fire Department began basic life support procedures, but he showed no signs of life until the "paddles" were administered. Ludwig was assisted at the scene by Santilli.

Pozner said that, following treatment, the patient was then transported to the Beth Israel Deaconess Center, where he underwent angioplasty and was discharged home after a few days.

Ludwig, Santilli and members of the Brookline Fire Department were honored at a separate ceremony held at the offices of the Brookline Selectmen recently, and Elliott was among those attending the ceremony.

"An interesting side note is that Mr. Elliott, when he got to the hospital, said that he hadn't felt well that morning and was thinking about not attending the Ryder Cup Tournament," said Pozner. "For some reason, he decided to go. It's very fortunate for him that he did go, because he was responded to within 40 seconds and it saved his life. The chances that he would have survived this event if help had not been nearby are slim."

Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Fallon Ambulance, said that the company is very proud of the work done by Santilli and Ludwig. "Both are excellent paramedics who are representative of the best in the emergency medical care field," he said, adding, "Everyone who serves as an EMT or paramedic knows that anytime they go out in the field, they may be called upon to save a life. We are very pleased with the work done by our staff, as well as with the excellent efforts of the Brookline Fire Department." He added, "It is a time like this when any of us who are in the business of providing emergency medical assistance truly remember what it is that made us go into this line of work in the first place."

Santilli and Ludwig received certificates of appreciation from Fallon Ambulance Service, as well as official commendations from the Brookline Board of Selectmen.

Fallon Ambulance Service was founded in 1936 by James R. Fallon, Sr., and has remained a family operated business to this day. The founder’s son, James R. (Ray) Fallon, Jr., and five of his children have all played an integral role in the company’s operation and growth. Fallon Ambulance employs more than 400 personnel, and operates 115 vehicles. The company provides 9-1-1 service to Milton, Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, Braintree and Dedham as well as primary backup to Boston and Randolph. Fallon Ambulance Service also provides medical transportation for a number of nursing homes, hospitals, and HMOs throughout Greater Boston. Headquarters are at 111 Brook Road, Quincy, MA 02169, and Fallon Ambulance operates satellite offices in Weymouth, Allston and Quincy, MA. A new state-of-the-art headquarters is slated for opening in Quincy in the Fall, 2004. Fallon Ambulance Service is a several-time recipient of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Success Profile,” and the “local heroes” award by the South Shore Community Action Council. For additional information about Fallon Ambulance services or programs that the company offers, contact Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development, at (617) 745-2100, ext. 117 or visit www.fallonambulance.com.