Nov. 6--DANVERS -- Three off-duty Danvers firefighters were taking part in an informal hockey practice at the Burbank Ice Arena in Reading when they made a save they will not soon forget.
Firefighter Paul Lapointe, Lt. Glen Cooney and firefighter Mark Lockyer were at "stick practice" on Sept. 25 with two other skaters when one of the men collapsed on the ice and went into cardiac arrest, fire Chief James Tutko said.
During a selectmen's meeting Tuesday, Tutko and Deputy Chief Kevin Farrell recognized the men for their quick work performing CPR and using the rink's portable defibrillator to save the man's life.
"Congratulations for doing a great job and doing the right job at the right time at the right place," Selectman Mike Powers said.
The five players were having a good time on the ice when one collapsed, the firefighters said.
Lockyer, who was playing in net, and Cooney said the man was skating and shooting well before he went down at one end of the rink. Lapointe checked on him and asked the manager to call 911. At first, the manager asked if the firefighters needed the rink's portable defibrillator, but he was still breathing, so they took him off the ice.
Later, the firefighters attached the device to deliver a shock to his heart. At that point, Reading firefighters arrived and took over.
Lapointe said it was "a great effort." The victim's name was not released.
About three weeks ago, Cooney learned the man had regained consciousness and recovered enough to be discharged to a rehab hospital.
"These people take their skills 24-7-365," Tutko said of Danvers firefighters, noting a similar incident Oct. 19 when a School Department secretary collapsed during a meeting. She was revived thanks to those at the meeting who performed CPR on her.
Tutko urged residents to take a CPR course and learn how to use a defibrillator.
Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or by e-mail at eforman@salemnews.com.
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