Stratford EMS Crew Honored For Response During ‘Life-Threatening Dog Attack’ Involving Elderly Victim

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford Emergency Medical Service personnel were honored this week by Mayor David Chess in a ceremony at the Stratford Town Council chambers for their response during a “life-threatening dog attack” earlier this year.

Paramedic Jeffrey Jorgenson and EMT Josh Whittenburger were presented with a town proclamation during Monday’s ceremony.

The incident happened during a severe storm on July 21, in which an elderly woman sustained “grave, life-threatening injuries,” according to Chess.

“Without hesitation, Paramedic Jorgensen and EMT Wittenberger placed themselves in harm’s way — moving through rising floodwaters under an active lightning threat and in the presence of an aggressive, unrestrained animal — to reach the patient and pull her to safety,” Chess wrote in a post on Facebook. “Their swift and courageous actions unquestionably prevented further injury and, in all likelihood, saved her life.

“As the patient was being transported to the hospital, she expressed deep worry for her husband — who was alone inside the residence, asleep, and unable to care for himself — and rather than consider their duty fulfilled, the EMTs gave her their word that they would look after him, and they did.

“The crew secured the home, checked on the husband, reached the family’s son at work to notify him of the situation, and remained with the husband until his son arrived. Their compassion went far beyond any job description and speaks to their kind, loving character.”

In addition to the proclamation, (Yale) Bridgeport Hospital EMS Coordinator Leigh Goodman and Medical Director Dr. Douglas Latham recognized the crew for Excellence in Trauma Care.

See photos from the ceremony in the Facebook post below: