LYNN — Lt. Joel Abreu has received praise from the Lynn Fire Department after he and two other staff members performed life-saving actions for an unconscious recruit.
“Lt. Abreu’s vigilance and prompt response to a potentially life-threatening situation exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to duty that we strive for in the fire service,” Chief of Department Daniel Sullivan said.
The incident occurred during a Live Burns training at the Massachusetts Firefighters Academy. Abreu noticed a recruit exiting the burning building looking unsteady. He was able to recognize a potential medical emergency and took action.
“Lt. Abreu’s training and experience came to the forefront as he, along with two other staff members, swiftly determined the recruit was in cardiac arrest,” Sullivan said.
Abreu applied a defibrillator and initiated CPR. These actions were crucial in keeping the recruit alive. “The fact that a ‘shock advised’ and a shock administered, followed by approximately four rounds of CPR, underscores the severity of the situation and the importance of Lt. Abreu’s timely intervention,” he said.
The recruit regained consciousness after Abreu administered the life-saving care with the chief saying that his actions embody the core values of the profession: courage, dedication, and service to others.
“On behalf of the Lynn Fire Department and the community we serve, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lt. Joel Abreu for his exceptional performance and life-saving intervention,” Sullivan said.
