Penn Medicine Recognizes Pa. Agency`s Role in Rescue of Man Injured by Circular Saw
Bryn Mawr, PA -- The situation was dire: A 25-year-old man was cutting a water pipe beneath a Bryn Mawr street when the circular saw kicked back and cut his neck.
One of Luis Caballero-Castejon’s coworkers called 9-1-1 while three others used rags and a t-shirt to apply direct pressure to his wound.
Within seven minutes, Narberth Ambulance paramedic Rick Reynolds and EMTs Matthew Scanlon and Sean Fay arrived on scene. They lowered themselves into the 8-foot ditch, got the bleeding under control and put the injured man on a long board. With the help of Caballero-Castejon’s coworkers, the Narberth crew lifted and pulled him out of the hole. Deputy Chief of Operations John H. Mick made the call: Penn Medicine’s Level 1 Trauma Center at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) was his best chance for survival.
On October 20, Penn Medicine and Narberth Ambulance recognized the role the Narberth ambulance crew responding that day played in saving Caballero-Castejon’s life.
“Narberth Ambulance acted with speed, skill and professionalism in gaining control of hemorrhage and rapidly transporting the patient to PPMC,” said Patrick Kim, MD, an associate professor of Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Trauma Program Director. “These were key factors contributing to Luis's outstanding outcome.”
Penn Medicine and Narberth Ambulance also jointly recognized the vital role Caballero-Castejon’s coworkers, including Bryan Gormley and Dan Dobitsch, played in saving his life. They received special citations.
Caballero-Castejon and Kaeleigh Jimenez, his fiance, attended the ceremony to give their thanks and hugs to everyone involved.
The day of the accident, in the operating room, Caballero-Castejon was found to have extensive injuries to arteries, veins, nerves and muscles of the neck, Dr. Kim said. He spent several hours in the OR and required the expertise of a vascular surgeon. “Luis is a perfect example of how the modern trauma system provides optimal care of the seriously injured across the continuum from time of injury to rehabilitation,” said Dr. Kim. “His recovery has been remarkable.”
The accident happened about a year ago. Mick, Narberth’s deputy chief of operations, said it was wonderful to talk to Caballero-Castejon and learn he is doing so well, and was an honor to be recognized for Narberth’s part. He is also happy Luis’ co-workers’ actions are earning Penn’s praise. “This situation was a great example of teamwork from all involved,” he said.
Narberth Ambulance Chief Christopher B. Flanagan agrees. “This incident demonstrates how coworkers or bystanders can make a difference until medics arrive,” he said. “It also shows how private and public entities can come together to save a life.”
ABOUT NARBERTH AMBULANCE
Founded in 1944, Narberth Ambulance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality, pre-hospital care and medical transportation to the 95,000 community members living in Lower Merion, Narberth, Conshohocken and West Conshohocken. Annually, Narberth Ambulance responds to 6,000 calls for emergency medical and advanced lifesaving support services. To learn more or to support Narberth Ambulance, visit www.narberthambulance.org.
