Belen firefighters, EMTs and an officer recognized for saving two lives in March

BELEN—Every minute matters when a medical emergency arises.

Luckily and thankfully, two local residents who were in the midst of a crisis were successfully treated by first responders who were prepared and worked together to save their lives.

Two different groups of Belen Fire Department crews were honored with the city’s Life-Saver Award after coming to the aid of a woman in early March and a man in mid March.

Belen Fire Chief Charles Cox recognized the two different crews for their hard work and passion for the community. He said when they are dispatched an emergency medical “code,” it typically doesn’t turn out positively, but in the cases of these two people, it did.

“Fortunately, we had two codes, two weeks apart, and the patients did survive,” Cox said. “... it is with immense pride and profound gratitude that I ... acknowledge the exemplary actions and heroic efforts of our dedicated teams.”

Cox said these teams work in “unwavering dedication” in critical emergency cases. He said the crews’ swift response and proficiency directly resulted in saving these lives.

“Your commitment to duty, to teamwork and rapid response were instrumental in saving a life. This outcome is a testimony of your dedication, training and professionalism,” the chief said. “Each of you played a vital role in this operation. It is evident that the outcome was achieved through combined effort, collective leadership, strategic decision-making and on-scene coordination.”

Cox told the crews the commendation is a recognition of their dedication to service and to the community. He thanked them for their hard work, their courage and their commitment to saving lives.

At about 7:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2, EMS crews were dispatched to a house on Fourth Street for a patient in cardiac arrest. The crew determined the patient was in need of immediate resuscitation.

“They commenced CPR, and their efforts were successful and was able to restore the patients’ pulse with the assistance of AMR,” the fire chief said. “The patient was transferred to the hospital, where she continued to improve and was subsequently released.”

The second incident happened two weeks later at about 2:10 p.m., Saturday, March 16, when BFD crews were dispatched to the Secundino Baldonado American Legion Post 81 on South Main Street in Belen.

Cox said when EMS crews arrived at the post, they found legion member and veteran Joe Cordova also in need of resuscitation efforts.

“Their life-saving efforts successfully restored the patients’ pulse ...,” Cox said. “The patient was transported to the hospital, where he continued to improve and was subsequently released.”

Cordova, who now has a new nickname of “Jump Start,” was at the city council meeting, said while he doesn’t remember that day, he has heard a lot about it.

When Cox asked the crew to raise their hands and come forward, the audience, which a majority of which were legion members, stood and gave them a standing ovation.

“Thank you all — each and every one of you,” Cordova told the group of first responders. “If it wasn’t for your training, I wouldn’t be here. I really appreciate it. It’s really good to still be here.”