A dramatic life-saving effort at the Longboat Key Club Tennis Gardens was celebrated last week at Town Hall, transforming what could have been a tragedy into a success story for the entire community.
Fire Chief Paul Dezzi formally honored four quick-acting employees—Alli Cruz, Kaci Melton, Katelinn Wurm, and Prakash Maraj—for their exemplary response to a severe cardiac event suffered by a Longboat Key resident while playing pickleball on May 15th.
The incident showcased not only the importance of accessible life-saving technology but also the swift judgment and preparedness of the resort staff.
The Critical Minutes
When the resident collapsed, the Tennis Gardens employees mobilized immediately. Their fast action centered on the prompt deployment of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). An AED is a portable device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to reestablish an effective rhythm during cardiac arrest.
The staff’s decisive action, initiating the AED sequence, was the critical first step. This was coupled with the extraordinary speed of the Longboat Key Fire Department, which was able to arrive on the scene in under four minutes. The combination of immediate AED use and rapid professional medical intervention was crucial in preserving the individual’s life.
During the ceremony, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi presented the commendations, praising the employees for their calm under pressure.
Dezzi’s commendation states:
“In recognition of your exemplary actions and life-saving response. On May 15th, you immediately initiated an activated the tennis center’s automated external defibrillator when a guest experienced a medical emergency. Your swift judgment, calm professionalism, and commitment to the safety and well-being of others played a critical role in preserving life. Your actions exemplify outstanding preparedness, courage, and dedication to service. On behalf of Longboat Key Fire Rescue, we extend our deepest appreciation for your heroic efforts and commend you for your exceptional performance. You have brought great credit to yourself, your coworkers, and the resort at Longboat Key.”
