BRIDGEPORT – Six first responders were honored by St. Vincent’s Medical Center Dec. 9 for their life-saving efforts during a serious crash on Route 8 in Shelton on Nov. 1.
Those honored were:
Trooper Detective Jeffrey Pretel
Trooper Michael Silvestrini
Derby Storms EMT Alex Neuendorf
Derby Storms EMT Shawn McGuire
Valley Emergency Medical Service (VEMS) Paramedic Rocco Laudato
Shelton Fire Department Assistant Chief Michael Plavcan
The crash almost killed a 36-year-old man from Fairfield, according to police statements.
The man was heading north on the highway at about 12:45 p.m. when he drove off the road and crashed into the guardrail on the right side. The man’s 2021 BMW-M5 burst into flames, according to an accident information summary from state police.
Troopers applied tourniquets to the driver’s legs to stop the blood loss, according to police.
The police, fire and EMS on scene worked quickly and effectively to treat the victim and get him to the hospital, officials said.
In a statement sent to The Valley Indy, Thomas Lenart, chief of Derby Storm Ambulance & Rescue, said the crew was professional and exact despite being under pressure.
“Their actions exemplify the dedication and professionalism our community relies on during its most critical moments. EMTs Neuendorf and McGuire, as part of a critical care team, showed that their actions reflected the highest standards of emergency medical care, and Storm Ambulance is honored that St. Vincent’s hospital is recognizing their contributions to our community.”
The Shelton Fire Department acknowledged the recognition in a Facebook post:
“As a team, the actions of each and every person on the scene played a role in providing life saving assistance to a critically injured person,” officials said.
Information from state police, Storm Ambulance, and St. Vincent’s Medical Center.