For Immediate Release
Contact: Lindsay Corcoran (508) 368-7252 or (774) 670-8811
NEW BRAINTREE – First responders from Hardwick and West Brookfield were recognized by Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. today for reviving a man who had suffered a heart attack at his home in January.
The District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit – TEAM Award – was presented to a Hardwick-New Braintree Police Officer, Hardwick Firefighters, Dispatchers from the State Police – New Braintree Dispatch Center, and EMS personnel from West Brookfield Ambulance who all had a role in helping save the life of Harwick resident Mark Kmiec on January 21, 2023.
“These first responders each had a hand in helping ensure that this man survived what would have otherwise been a fatal heart attack,” said Mr. Early. “They answered the call quickly and each worked seamlessly to ensure Mr. Kmiec got the lifesaving care he needed right away. Thanks to their work, Mr. Kmiec was able to go home to his family.”
It was a Sunday morning when Kmiec collapsed on the floor in his home.
His wife, Diana Kmiec, called 911 and immediately began CPR herself. Dispatchers Corrine Snow and Charles McCory walked her through the CPR process and called first responders to the scene.
Officer Patrick Almstrom was the first to arrive. He took over CPR compressions. Almstrom also had a department-issued AED machine, and he was able to issue two shocks to Kmiec.
Hardwick Fire Deputy Chief Nicholas Gaumond and Firefighter Louie Gaumond then arrived and assisted with CPR.
The West Brookfield Ambulance crew, with Chief Paramedic Daniel McCall and EMT Leah Bartholomew, arrived and administered a third AED shock to Kmiec. It was this third shock that helped Kmiec regain a pulse and, shortly thereafter, begin breathing on his own again.
Kmiec was transported in the ambulance to Baystate Hospital for continued treatment.
The TEAM Award was presented to the following first responders on Wednesday:
Hardwick-New Braintree Police Department:
- Officer Patrick Almstrom
Hardwick Fire Department:
- Deputy Chief/EMT Nicholas Gaumond
- Firefighter Louie Gaumond
State Police – New Braintree Dispatch:
- Dispatcher III Corrine Snow
- Dispatcher I Charles McCoy
West Brookfield Ambulance:
- Chief/Paramedic Daniel McCall
- EMT Leah Bartholomew
Civilian
- Diana Kmiec
The TEAM Award was created by Mr. Early in 2019 to recognize public safety employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Contact the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601 to nominate someone for this award.
