NEW YORK – A Coast Guard emergency medical technician saved an ill charter boat passenger in Fire Island Inlet, N.Y., today.
Coast Guard Station Fire Island watchstanders received a report from the charter boat captain of the Laura Lee Express that a passenger aboard the vessel was in need of immediate medical attention.
A rescue boatcrew from Station Fire Island responded and determined that a patient transfer would not be safe due to weather conditions. The Coast Guard EMT was transferred aboard the Laura Lee Express.
Chief Petty Officer Nathan Puniton, the executive petty officer of Station Fire Island and certified EMT, tended to the 59-year-old male aboard the Laura Lee Express as the crew transited back to port.
“I’m glad we were able to respond in a timely manner to save this man’s life and we wish him well.” said Purinton.
Station Fire Island’s boatcrew escorted the Laura Lee Express into Captree Boat Basin. The ill passenger was transferred to West Islip Fire Department’s emergency medical service at the pier, and then taken to Good Samaritan Hospital on Long Island, N.Y.