LOWELL – Two PRIDEStar EMS paramedics have been honored by Steward Health Care for their actions that saved the life of a Haverhill man in February.
Robert DeFlumieri and Matt Fleming, Paramedics and Operations Supervisor, responded to a medical call in the early morning of Tuesday, Feb. 1, at a home on Edward Court in Haverhill, along with Haverhill Police and Fire first responders.
When Paramedics DeFlumieri and Fleming arrived, they discovered Pietro Grillo unconscious, with his wife Lesley and their sons performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him. Paramedics DeFlumieri and Fleming took over life-saving efforts, and using their training and skills, were able to stabilize Grillo for transport by ambulance to Holy Family Hospital in Haverhill. He later was transported by medical helicopter to a Boston-area hospital.
Following a lengthy recovery in the hospital, Grillo has entered a physical rehabilitation hospital, where he is receiving physical and occupational therapy. He has made significant progress, including regaining the ability to walk unassisted.
Lesley Grillo nominated DeFlumieri and Fleming for the “EMS Stewards of the Community,” held annually by Holy Family’s parent company Steward. The awards recognize first responders who show expertise, professionalism, and compassion, and have demonstrated an “above and beyond” interaction with a patient.
Lesley Grillo wrote in her nomination: “My children got to see their father again. He got to hug them again. He got to tell them he loves them. He calls them every day from rehab … Without the professionalism and care he received this would not be possible.”
Paramedics DeFlumieri and Fleming received their awards at a “Stewards of Excellence” ceremony on Monday, May 16. This coincided with National EMS Week, held this year from May 15-21.
“A fast response and highly-trained paramedics raise the chance for a better outcome on any call,” PRIDEStar Founder and CEO David Daly said.
