July 18, 2008
by Gene Nadel
Most readers are well aware that “911” is the number to be dialed in case of an emergency, but few think that at some point they may actually be the one finding it necessary to make that stressful call. Like so many things in life that are simply taken for granted, minimal thought is given to a possible problem until, suddenly, assistance is needed and immediate action is required.
A recent incident, which for me was a first time, first hand personal experience with a “911” situation, occurred right here in New Castle and, specifically, right in my own home in Millwood. Furthermore, and most importantly, I want to publicly acknowledge and express my sincere appreciation to some of those unsung individuals, heroes to me, who performed so efficiently that dark and depressing evening.
All of this took place a short time ago when, returning home from a day in the City and entering my basement from the garage, I was startled to find my dear wife lying helplessly at the foot of the basement stairs! Astonished, I don’t recall our exact words at that moment, but I do remember her clearly, and relatively calmly, telling me, in effect, “I fell, may have broken my wrist and who knows what else, and I can’t get up. Please help me”. Grateful that she was conscious and momentarily reassured, I rushed to her side attempting to provide assistance. Only at that point did I, for the first time, get close enough to observe that her face was completely covered with blood! Surely, had I not had the initial, relatively brief exchange of words prior to actually seeing her face, I’m sure I would have reacted in shock! Surprised and upset as I was, I managed to keep my cool sufficiently to determine that the blood was coming from a wound over her right eye and I realized that, not knowing the extent of any other possible injuries, the situation was beyond my ability to cope. Clearly “911” was the correct decision.
To eliminate any unnecessary suspense, dear reader, I am pleased to report that although suffering a variety of injuries and harms, none life-threatening, she is slowly, if uncomfortably, recovering at home..
I was immediately impressed with the response to my call when, as soon as it was acknowledged by “New Castle Police – 911”, it was not necessary for me to provide my address and name but rather I was asked to confirm that information based on data already appearing on the screen at police headquarters. I was further assured that immediate assistance would be on the way. Sure enough, within a matter of minutes, Patrolman Sam Ward of the New Castle Police arrived at our home, providing confidence and assurance as he took prudent measures (which I had totally failed to consider) to stabilize our patient. Shortly thereafter, the Ossining Volunteer Ambulance arrived with Paramedic Sam Lubin, EMT Heather Nielsen and Driver John Girolama, all of whom worked thoroughly and efficiently to provide proper protection from possible neck or back complications as they prepared her to be moved on to the ambulance.
It was a miserable stormy night, but as I headed South on the Taconic Parkway trailing the ambulance on the way to the Trauma Center at Westchester Medical Center, I could only think how fortunate we are to be blessed with emergency coverage provided by our local police, by the Ossining and Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps, by our local volunteer fire companies, and by CERT and other volunteer groups. As I mentioned earlier, most of us take so many of these things for granted and give little thought to the benefits we receive. While I specifically mentioned the four individuals who came to our aid, my sincere thanks go to all those wonderful folks who are there when needed and who, when the chips are down, continually come through for us with flying colors.
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