Officers, nurse revive civilian employee at state prison

Six correctional officers at the Greene Correctional Facility are being credited with saving the life of a 62-year-old civilian employee at the medium security facility, according to a press release issued by the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.

“I am extremely proud of our members who were involved in saving the life of a 62-year- old civilian employee last week,” said Michael Mazzella, the union’s Mid-Hudson Region vice president. “Their quick actions and teamwork were clearly vital to saving this man’s life. Despite the con- stant scrutiny our officers face, they continue to conduct themselves with professionalism, and their actions on Feb. 3 are a credit to their profession.”

According to the press release, at about 8:50 a.m. Feb. 3 a corrections lieutenant noticed the employee, a rehabilitation coordinator, unconscious on the floor in the administration building.

The lieutenant immediately radioed in a medical emergency, and a sergeant, four officers and a nurse responded to the scene. One officer checked for a pulse but did not locate one.

Corrections officers re- peatedly used an automated external defibrillator (AED) and one of the officers administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After more than four minutes of repeated defibrillation and chest compressions, the victim began to gain consciousness and breathe on his own. He was taken to Albany Medical Center by ambulance; his condition is unknown at this time.

In December, a veteran corrections officer was also credited with reviving an inmate who collapsed and stop breathing in a housing unit at the correctional facility.