Thanks to quick thinking and teamwork, Maria Fazzino was able to attend her granddaughter’s UConn graduation ceremony this past weekend.
The 81-year-old Simsbury resident went into cardiac arrest on Feb. 27 at Gampel Pavilion, during senior day festivities for the UConn Women’s Basketball team. Two Husky fans, several UConn firefighters, and a paramedic from Windham Hospital worked together, acting quickly to save her life.
“Had this event happened while she was alone, I believe the outcome would have been very different,” Fazzino’s daughter, Angela Moore, wrote to the UConn Fire Department. “Words cannot express the gratitude that we all feel; you have given us extra time with a very special person.”
Abby Moore, Fazzino’s granddaughter, was team manager for the UConn women’s basketball team. She was honored on senior day, and Fazzino was able to see the recognition ceremony from section 13 before she went into cardiac arrest about half way through the game.
Torrington fire Capt. Patrick Doyle, of Harwinton, and Harwinton EMT and Litchfield County dispatcher Seth Zepka, of Burlington, were sitting near Fazzino when someone called for help. This was the first time either of them had to perform CPR while off duty, and instinct took over.
Fazzino did not have a pulse, and Doyle and Zepka said they moved the crowd out of the way, placed the older woman on a bench, and administered CPR and compressions.
“We did what we normally do when someone needs help,” Zepka said. “CPR and quick compressions are one of the best things you can do.”
Their efforts worked.
When the UConn Fire Department arrived at section 13, Fazzino had a pulse and was conscious. Firefighters moved her to Gampel Pavilion’s concourse level and were met by a paramedic from Windham Hospital. A UConn ambulance then transported Fazzino to the hospital for additional care.
“This case is a shining example of where all of the pieces of the emergency medical services system at UConn aligned, leading to a positive outcome,” said Gregory Priest, UConn’s deputy fire chief.
Priest said UConn firefighters are trained on how to handle medical issues and other emergencies at Gampel Pavilion, which seats more than 10,000 people. Four UConn EMTs and one paramedic from Windham Hospital regularly staff big events at the arena, such as basketball games and graduation, he said, adding that on Feb. 27 emergency personnel were aided by Doyle and Zepka, who recognized the problem early and took quick action.
“As a family, we cannot thank you and your department enough for the speed and urgency with which you cared for Maria,” Angela Moore noted in her correspondence to the department. “She has made a wonderful recovery, walking independently and caring for herself.”
Like the UConn Fire Department, Doyle also received a thank you note from Moore and was happy to hear that Fazzino was doing well.
“You are so used to it going the other way,” he said.
Community involvement in emergency situations is not as common as it could be, said William Muskett, EMS manager at Windham Hospital, praising both Doyle and Zepka for their willingness to help. CPR training is an important part of the hospital’s community outreach, he said.
Muskett said UConn does a good job of coordinating emergency response at Gampel Pavilion. While the layout of the arena presents challenges, he said, radio communication, training, and other strategies help to ensure that everyone is ready to respond when needed. Even if Doyle and Zepka had not been there, he said the response time still would have been quick.
Fazzino’s story demonstrates what can happen when there is continuity of care, and Priest wants to make sure all involved are recognized for their efforts. During a UConn Fire Department awards ceremony this summer, Priest will give Doyle and Zepka citizen life-saving awards. UConn firefighters and Windham Hospital will receive unit life-saving awards.
Said Priest, “I am very proud of the bystanders and all the responders for their care and professionalism.”
