Upper Gwynedd police Chief David Duffy, left with microphone, and VMSC-EMS Chief Shane Wheeler congratulate UGPD officers Michael Romanowicz and Amber Welsh and VMSC paramedics Gregory Johns and Abigail Akins and AEMT Roger Shortridge for saving a resident’s life during a medical call in Feb., during the June 9, 2025 township commissioners meeting. (Photo courtesy of Upper Gwynedd Police Department)
Quick response made the difference in February medical call, say chiefs
A team of area emergency responders were honored for saving the life of a local resident.
Upper Gwynedd’s police and VMSC – Emergency Medical Services shared in the honors, jointly congratulating five of their own.
“We’re here tonight to celebrate a partnership we have with VMSC-EMS and the police department, and that partnership resulting in another life saved,” said police Chief David Duffy.
On February 20 around 12:30 a.m., police and VMSC responded to a report of an unconscious person on the 300 block of Farm Lane, according to the chief. Arriving officers found that an adult woman had collapsed and was possibly having a stroke, and VMSC members arrived moments later.
“Officer Michael Romanowicz determined the female was not breathing and had gone into full cardiac arrest. He immediately started CPR and was assisted by Officer Amber Welsh,” Duffy said.
VMSC Chief Shane Wheeler then continued the recap: “VMSC Paramedics Gregory Johns and Abigail Akins and AEMT Roger Shortridge arrived on the scene and began life saving measures, which included setting up oxygen, establishing an airway, and providing compressions,” he said.
The group then used a defibrillator to deliver shocks, and the patient regained a pulse and was stabilized and transported to a hospital.
“Because of these first responders’ quick, team efforts, the patient was revived and after hospitalization, recovered and returned home,” Wheeler said.
Duffy added that he was struck by watching body camera video of the incident by how the two different agencies worked together.
“You see a person who is nearly deceased, and then you see the team come in: the officer starting, and then VMSC stepping in, and working together seamlessly. And that person is now recovering, and back home, and functioning. It’s really amazing,” Duffy said.
Wheeler added that he and his agency were fortunate to work with “incredible partners” including the police department, and said the presentations are “the best part of my job: being able to recognize the efforts, and hard work and training, and our partnerships. They truly save lives, one day and one call and one life at a time.”
