On Inaugural First Responder Day, County Says Thanks

Paramedic Gina Miller, another paramedic, and three emergency medical technicians responded to a 9-1-1 call for service in Bensalem Township.

They found a baby, who was only a few months old, unresponsive.

The responders rushed into action and had to administer the baby a pint-sized dose of overdose reversal drug naloxone to revive the baby.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. It truly was a team effort and we are very happy that she is thriving today,” Miller said.

For Miller and fellow medics, police, and firefighters, heart-pounding moments like that 2020 call are just part of the job, one is often thankless.

Staffers for Bucks County’s emergency services and 9-1-1 center enjoyed a small thank you – in the form of a fresh lunch – Thursday on the inaugural national First Responder Day.

The county’s celebration of emergency responders took place at the facility in Ivyland Borough that handles the county’s emergency management agency, emergency operations center, and dispatch facility.

Bucks County Director of Emergency Services Audrey Kenny applauded the work of the staff through the pandemic, the July 12 flash flooding, the severe tornado outbreak, and the flooding and tornadoes caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Pointing to the hard work, she noted there were more than 5,200 emergency calls during Hurricane Ida.

Bucks County Commissioners Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia told the emergency workers that she is grateful for all they do.

“You show up again and again and again,” she said, adding they often interact with others dealing with trauma.

Commissioner Bob Harvie said the responders do their jobs despite the fact the situations they respond to often include mental and physical burdens. He said responders remained on the frontlines while others stayed home during pandemic.

District Attorney Matt Weintraub commended the responders and greeted them.

Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo supported the county’s responders, but he was unable to make the lunch due to a meeting in Harrisburg.

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