Five County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) lifeguards along with Senior Emergency Medical Systems Program Head Danielle Ogaz and the Training and Emergency Medical Services Bureau were honored with the prestigious Clinical Excellence Award from the California Emergency Medical Services Authority for their courageous actions during a rescue in Redondo Beach last year.
Following a dive course, bystanders reported a diver in distress. Lifeguard Captain Sean Lemm and Ocean Lifeguard Specialists Charles Pogue and Hogan Inscore responded immediately, locating an unconscious and pulseless patient in shallow water.
The team swiftly moved the patient to dry sand, established an airway, and initiated CPR. Despite a non-shockable rhythm alert, the team continued high-quality CPR and ventilation, successfully achieving a return of spontaneous circulation. The patient was later transferred to the care of the Redondo Beach Fire Department.
LACoFD Medical Director Dr. Clayton Kazan received notification of the award on behalf of the Department, offering praise for the professional response.
“Danielle is one of the unsung heroes of the Training & EMS Bureau, working feverishly behind the scenes to keep all of the administrative plates spinning,” Dr. Kazan said. “Quality Improvement helps the Department maintain compliance with many of the regulatory bodies that oversee us, and that enables the Department to participate in innovative projects like Prehospital Blood Transfusion, Triage to Alternate Destinations, Pedi-PART, and Pedi-DOSE to improve the outcomes of our patients that we serve.”
The LACoFD commends all five lifeguards, Senior Emergency Medical Systems Program Head Danielle Ogaz, and the Training and Emergency Medical Services Bureau for their exceptional skill and dedication, and thanks the Redondo Beach Fire Department and the California Emergency Medical Services Authority for being critical partners in emergency medical services.
