Last night at the regularly scheduled Keystone Valley Regional Fire District Meeting, Chairman Thomas Scott took some time out of the agenda to allow KVFD to recognize some residents and emergency response personnel for their efforts in two serious incidents.

Keystone Valley Regional Fire District which is comprised of municipal representation from Parkesburg Borough, West Sadsbury and Highland Townships had officials present at the meeting and worked with Keystone Valley Fire Department to make a presentation to the emergency responders from the agencies involved as well as bystanders and residents who deserved to be recognized for two serious incidents that occurred in the KVFD response area.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, May 22, 2021, KVFD, Fire & EMS and Police from West Sadsbury Township were dispatched to Strasburg Road in West Sadbsury Township for a report of an accident with unknown injuries. The ambulance made its response along with fire units from KVFD for the accident reported with entrapment. While responding to the scene, EMS requested additional ambulances to be dispatched to assist KVFD.

Ambulance 8-1 with crew Zachary Petticoffer, and Supervisor/Manager Joe Miles along with MED 2-93 Ron Sigismonti arrived on the scene where an off duty police Lieutenant and resident Jeff Yankanich made contact with our EMS as they were walking toward the scene and advised on the types of injuries present.

Officer Christina Farrell from Parkesburg PD was helping the driver and Officer Sasso made contact with a passenger of the vehicle and determined she was not breathing. The passenger was a juvenile who was in cardiac arrest. Lt. Yankanich assisted with cutting airbags out of the way and assisting EMS along with police officers as they were able to pull the young female out of the front passenger seat of the vehicle through the rear driver side door and CPR was initiated. Assisting in this effort were Officer Sasso and Officer McCullough of West Sadsbury Police.

The pediatric patient was seriously injured and was transported to a local hospital. Upon arrival, she was found to have pulses. She was then transferred to a pediatric specialized hospital. The ER physician advised that all who rendered care gave the patient every possible chance and got her to the hospital in as viable condition as possible.

Though the ultimate outcome was grave, the effort put forth by all responders present was done to the best of everyone's ability, and for that we are thankful. This incident was a unfortunate incident however, the teamwork displayed by emergency personnel from police, fire and EMS along with by-standers showed that in a time of need everyone pulls together for the task to be completed.

The following personnel were recognized for their actions during this incident: KVFD personnel Zachary Petticoffer, EMS Supervisor Joseph Miles, Officers Sasso and McCullough of West Sadsbury Township, Officer Christina Farrell of Parkesburg Police, and off-duty Police Lieutenant Jeff Yankanich.

The second incident occurred on Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 around 1250 hours as Steve Geinger, a co-worker of John Rouleau activated the 911 system to report the electrocution as his co-worker John was working and struck a power line and was electrocuted. Moments after the call was dispatched it was determined CPR was started by his co-workers. EMS responded and arrived 4 minutes later to find Matt Patzek who works for a local hospital and lives close by providing CPR to John. With the quick actions of his co-workers and Matt who was a nurse, along with the assistance of Sadsbury Township Police and the Sadsburyville Fire Company followed by the pre-hospital care rendered by Jordan Bismuth of Tower Direct Medic 293 and KVFD EMT's George Degnan and Madison Rohrbach, we're proud to be able to say that the victim survived and was able to be present this evening to help present to those who saved his life. John was standing with KVFD personnel this evening and with his girlfriend Alicia Hanney present.

The following personnel were recognized for their actions during this incident: KVFD personnel EMS Supervisor George Degnan and EMT Madison Rohrbach, Sadsburyville Fire Company (Lt. Brad Rust, Dawn & Zach Groff), Sadsbury Police Department (Cpl. Sipple), By-stander and Nurse Matt Patzek who administered CPR, Paramedic Jordan Bismuth from Tower Direct.

Fire Chief Brian Gathercole says: "Not every call results in a great outcome; however, this incident was something that does not occur every day resulting in a positive outcome. Great work on pre-arrival and services rendered by the crew."

EMS Manager Joe Miles says: "I'm proud of all the individuals who took part during this call, a type not many will see while working in this field. A great collaboration by trained bystanders, our awesome staff members along our cooperative partnership with TowerDIRECT Paramedics and the Sadsburyville Fire Company helped save a life. Fantastic job by all".

Fire Police for KVFD, Sadsburyville Fire Company, and Wagontown Fire Company provided traffic control in the area until the roadway was able to be reopened.

EMS Supervisor Joseph Miles put the evening together and it was presented by Fire Chief Gathercole. It was stated by Chief Gathercole that many times we do not see the recognition of emergency responders of police, fire and EMS and these two incidents had significant impact on the responders. Times have changed in Emergency Services and Chief Gathercole thanked the KVFD and KVRFD for allowing the presentation this evening to be conducted and for the recognition of those who made a difference.