3 Freeport EMTs recognized for lifesaving work

Three Freeport emergency medical technicians are being recognized for their work to save a Freeport woman’s life.

Daniel Kline, Kaylee Polena and John Zotter worked to save a Freeport woman after she went into cardiac arrest in her home in early April, according to Mike Greiser, Freeport’s fire marshal and code enforcement officer.

“They were dispatched to an incident that a patient was just sitting at home and became unresponsive, so the family called 911,” said Freeport EMS Director Christopher O’Leath.

Kline and Zotter arrived on the scene to find the woman was not breathing. Kline said the woman had no pulse.

Kline, 45, of Kittanning, who has worked as an EMT part time for about 14 years, knew the patient from his full-time job at a trucking company.

Kline began performing CPR compressions while Zotter prepared an automated external defibrillator, or AED. After administering a shock with the AED, Kline said, the patient’s pulse returned.

Polena, 21, said she was just getting ready for her midnight shift when the call came in alerting them to the situation. She said she got dressed as quickly as she could and ran over to help.

“It’s pretty nerve-wracking,” said Polena, who has been working as a Freeport EMT for about a year and a half. “You never know what the situation is going to be like when you arrive.”

Kline and Zotter were already working on the patient when she arrived, Polena said, adding that teamwork between EMTs and medics is imperative.

By the time a medic from Allegheny Valley Hospital arrived, the patient was alert and talking.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever gotten someone back from an active cardiac arrest,” Polena said.

The patient has since “made basically a full recovery,” Greiser said.

“They did a fantastic job,” O’Leath said.

Kline, Polena and Zotter were recognized for their efforts to save the woman during a recent Freeport Council meeting. They were awarded a plaque, a pin and a letter signed by the mayor and council.

The community recognition meant a lot to Polena, who was born and raised in Freeport and graduated from Freeport High School. Polena is a full-time nursing student and often works as many as many as 24-32 hours as an EMT on weekends.

“It was really nice to know people do appreciate what you’re doing,” she said. “Working in my community has been amazing.”

Kline, who described himself as a “fly-under-the-radar-type guy” said he didn’t expect recognition for his work, but he appreciated the community honoring a job well done.

“Unfortunately, the outcome isn’t always as good as it was that evening,” Kline said. “I try to do my job to the best of my ability. When good things happen, it’s nice.”

Said Greiser: “We feel it’s something we need to do to recognize those who do good in the community, recognizing people who go above and beyond.”

O’Leath said it’s particularly important to recognize the work of EMTs considering the difficulties they face with staffing shortages and challenges to secure funding and equipment.

“There’s a shortage of personnel, there’s a shortage of people that want to get involved,” O’Leath said. “There’s a constant battle to maintain equipment. There’s a constant battle to get paid for the services we provide.”

Though EMT personnel are highly trained, O’Leath said they’re often underpaid. But they’re an important piece of the community and deserve recognition and support for their lifesaving work, he said.