COVENTRY, RI — The Hopkins Hill Fire District, alongside the Central Coventry Fire District, Western Coventry Fire District, and Coventry Fire Alarm, recently recognized firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and the family members involved in a remarkable cardiac arrest save that demonstrates the importance of CPR, rapid emergency response, and community preparedness.

The incident occurred on August 13, 2025, when emergency crews responded to a residence in the Central Coventry Fire District for a reported unconscious person. Upon arrival, responders found a 48-year-old female in cardiac arrest. Prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, the patient’s parents immediately began CPR under the guidance of a Coventry Fire Alarm dispatcher and a State E-911 telecommunicator.

Responding crews from the Central Coventry, Hopkins Hill, and Western Coventry Fire Districts rapidly continued advanced life support care, including airway management, cardiac monitoring, CPR, and defibrillation after the patient was found to be in ventricular fibrillation.

Moments later, in what veteran EMS providers described as an extraordinary outcome, the patient regained consciousness and spontaneous breathing before arriving at the hospital. The patient was transported to Rhode Island Hospital alert and oriented and has since returned home and resumed her normal life with an implanted defibrillator.

Captain Peter Gingerella of the Central Coventry Fire District described the incident as unlike anything he had witnessed in nearly three decades as an EMS provider.

“In almost 30 years of being an EMS provider, I have never had a patient go from cardiac arrest to conscious and alert,” Gingerella stated. “If I had not witnessed this with my own eyes, I would not have believed it.”

Fire Chief John H. Potvin stated that the incident highlights the critical importance of immediate CPR and coordinated emergency response.

“This incredible outcome is a direct result of the chain of survival working exactly as it is intended,” said Chief Potvin. “The courage of the patient’s parents, the calm professionalism of our dispatcher, and the outstanding teamwork of our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics gave this patient another chance at life. This is a powerful reminder that CPR truly saves lives.”

The agencies recognized the following personnel for their lifesaving efforts:

Central Coventry Fire District

• Captain Peter Gingerella

• Firefighter Domenic Bianco

• Lieutenant Brennan Phillips

• Former Firefighter Jonathan Skurka • Lieutenant Raymond Castelli

• Firefighter Anthony Cataldo

Hopkins Hill Fire District

• Firefighter Justin Deem

• Firefighter Michael Mancini

Western Coventry Fire District

• Former Firefighter Joshua Plaziak • Firefighter Maurice Remillard

Coventry Fire Alarm

• Dispatcher Frank Hart

The first responders were awarded American Heart Association Heart Saver Hero Awards and EMS Pride Medical Director Quality Awards from Dr. Kenneth Williams and the Rhode Island Ambulance Service Coordinating Advisory Board. The agencies also extended special recognition to the patient’s parents for their immediate and courageous actions in beginning CPR before responders arrived. The awards were presented by Chief Potvin and Chief Kevin Cady of the Central Coventry Fire District with the assistance of Jessica, the cardiac arrest survivor.

The incident serves as a reminder of the lifesaving value of CPR training and early intervention. The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Hero program recognizes individuals whose actions help save lives during cardiac emergencies through immediate CPR and rapid response.

Community members are encouraged to learn Hands-Only CPR and become familiar with the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR performed by bystanders can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.