Emergency medical officials and police say a 67-year-old Nanuet man's decision to go into to seek help because he wasn't feeling well Tuesday morning may have saved his life.
Within minutes of seeking assistance, James Kiley suffered cardiac arrest. However, because an ambulance crew and paramedics got to him quickly, he is reported to be in good condition recovering at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern.
Kiley is the second man in two days in Rockland to suffer cardiac arrest but to survive because he got help fast, according to Raymond Florida, director of .
"These are instances in which all the training, equipment and advances in technology pay off," said Florida.
Tuesday's medical emergency erupted shortly after 9 a.m. Clarkstown police Chief Michael Sullivan said he happened to be at Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave., New City, when Kiley walked into the building and complained of chest pain and shortness of breath.
Sullivan said a crew from was called along with members of Rockland Paramedics. Within minutes, Kiley was on his way to Good Samaritan Hospital.
Florida said paramedics , an RPS lieutenant, and Sarah Gallagher had hooked Kiley up to cardiac equipment, which relayed data on his condition directly to cardiac care experts at the hospital. Florida said doctors confirmed Kiley was having a heart attack.
On the way to the hospital, Florida said, Kiley suffered cardiac arrest. He said paramedics Frae and Gallagher then used electric shock and heart medication to revive him. At Good Samaraitan Hospital, Florida said cardiac doctors were awaiting Kiley's arrival and he immediately underwent surgery that cleared an arterial blockage and installed a cardiac stent.
Florida said that by lunchtime, Kiley — a former Nanuet Ambulance Corps member — was sitting up and ordering a meal.
On Monday, members of Rockland Paramedics faced another life-and-death situation when a customer at the ShopRite in West Nyack collapsed in the store off Route 59. Florida said paramedics were able to revive the 58-year-old man and get him to Good Samaritan Hospital for life-saving cardiac treatment.
In this case, paramedics were also able to get to the victim quickly — they were in their quarters at the West Nyack Fire Department substation on Route 59 at the entrance to Palisades Center Mall, across the street from ShopRite.
Florida said close coordination between paramedics and cardiac doctors at the hospital improves the chances of victims surviving heart attacks and cardiac arrest.
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