FDNY recognizes paramedics for rescuing elderly patients from submerged car

NEW YORK ― FDNY presented the first EMT-P Carlos Lillo-Lt. Ricardo Quinn Medal to paramedic Jimmy M. Guailacela and paramedic Marilyn L. Arroyo for bravery and dedication above and beyond the call of duty during a ceremony at City Hall.

In 2012 Arroyo and Guailacela rescued three elderly patients from a submerged vehicle. Upon arrival Arroyo and Guailacela, EMTs at the time of the rescue, heard screams for help and saw a hand waving from the car’s sunroof.

Guailacela entered the waist-deep water, made his way to the car, which was now three-quarters submerged. Arroyo scaled and climbed over a fence to make her way to the top of the vehicle. Guailacela removed one patient and Arroyo pulled a second patient from the sunroof and then passed the patient off to Guailacela.

With the water still rising and the car now completely submerged, Arroyo asked the third patient if she could swim. She replied, "a little." Although Arroyo is a poor swimmer, she advised her patient that she would not let her swim alone, that she would swim out with her.

Before Arroyo attempted to swim with the woman, Guailacela arrived and quickly grabbed the third patient and safely removed her. With the last patient now safe, Arroyo attempted to climb the fence again, but felt something pulling her down into the flood waters. Struggling, she realized that her utility belt had gotten caught. Remaining calm, she unbuckled the utility belt, freed herself, scaled the fence and wall and joined the three patients in their safe location.

Despite the danger and challenges, the EMTs continued their sworn duties, evaluating all three individuals who had no physical complaints, but an abundance of gratitude for the pair.

The EMT-P Carlos Lillo/Lt. Ricardo Quinn Medal was endowed by EMS Local 2507, coinciding with the 20-year anniversary of the merger of FDNY Fire and EMS.

Named in honor of Paramedics Carlos Lillo, from Station 49, and Ricardo J. Quinn, from Station 57, who died during the 9/11 terror attacks, the deed of the gift states the medal shall be awarded every three years to a holder of a Christopher J. Prescott Medal during the preceding three years. The medal features the Star of Life, with the names "Lillo" and "Quinn" etched in front of Lady Liberty. 

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