The Town Board has recognized four Environmental Waste Department employees whose quick actions saved the life of a co-worker who experienced heart problems while on the job last month.
Worker Carlo Ayala was on his regular collection route March 14 when he started to feel ill. His co-workers called their foremen and were told to bring him to the department's facility at Boxer Court. After making it back to the office, Ayala collapsed in the men's room.
Foremen John Hall, Don Taylor and Tony Murisco and mechanic Al Snolis heard a "thud," ran into the men's room and found Ayala unconscious on the floor. After calling 911, they realized that Ayala was not breathing. Hall began to lead his co-workers in CPR. After there was still no response, the team hooked up an advanced electronic defibrillator to Ayala's chest. The AED advised them to administer a shock. Although still unconscious, Ayala began breathing on his own.
An ambulance took Ayala to Huntington Hospital. He was later transferred to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. Ayala underwent surgery to have a stent placed in his heart. He was released from the hospital and is recovering.
With Ayala looking on at the Town Board meeting April 12, Petrone read the text of the proclamations presented to Hall, Taylor, Murisco and Snolis. The proclamations noted that "the quick action of the environmental workers at Boxer Court, and their ability to work as a team, saved the life of Carlo Ayala" recognized their "heroic and life-saving efforts."
