Lake County Fire Rescue and Clermont Fire Department crewmembers accepted a Phoenix Award from Orlando Health South Lake Hospital for rising to the call for action by assisting in saving a Lake County visitor’s life.

The celebrated crew consisted of Firefighter/Paramedic Otto Drozd, Firefighter/EMT Eryn Siracusa, Firefighter/EMT Joshua Quinones from Lake County Fire Rescue and Lieutenant Bruce Wisniewski, Engineer Jeff Brimmer, and Firefighter Emiliano Appratto from the City of Clermont Fire Department. They are being recognized for responding to a patient experiencing cardiac arrest. The crews provided advanced life support assistance and delivered the patient safely to the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Emergency Room.

“From the initial 911 call to the emergency response and delivery of the patient to the hospital, our team works hard to increase the chances for survival to every person they help,” David Kilbury, Public Safety Director for Lake County, Stated. “Our crews are highly trained and proud to respond to anyone in need of our help.”

The Phoenix Award recognizes lifesaving events involving the resuscitation of a patient before arriving at the emergency room; the patient must be discharged without neurological complications.

“Administering the necessary care before presenting to an emergency department is vital when it comes to saving lives,” said Andrew Johnson, EMT-P, emergency medical services liaison for Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. “EMT’s and paramedics can connect the frontlines of crises to emergency departments where the care continues. We are so grateful to have them as true partners in helping patients heal and preventing loss of life.”

The Phoenix Award is a tribute to these first responders’ outstanding dedication and underscores their essential contribution to Lake County and the City of Clermont. This award is a fitting tribute to their collaborative efforts. Their courageous actions will always be a testament to these outstanding teams’ steadfast commitment.