Staten Island Medics Use Cyanokit to Help Save Patient’s Life

On this Throwback Thursday, join us below in learning more about Station 22 Rescue Paramedic Ludmila Muller and Haz-Tac Paramedic Michael Strobel. Last month, the two utilized their training to save a patient’s life during an all-hands fire in Staten Island.

“Initially I wanted to study biology and become a doctor. I didn’t know exactly what EMS did growing up, but I knew that they were called for emergencies,” said Muller, an 11-year FDNY veteran and Staten Island native. “I became an EMT and joined the FDNY, where I met plenty of role models that helped shape me into the Medic that I am today.”

“Working for the FDNY has given me the chance to strengthen my skill set in the medical field. I became a New York State EMT in 2007, worked as an ICU nurse assistant for five years, and joined the Department in July of 2012 as an EMT,” said Strobel, another Staten Island native who has spent 10 years with the Department. He became a Haz-Tac Medic in 2019.

On June 5, Muller and Strobel responded to an all-hands fire, which resulted in the rescue of a critical patient in respiratory arrest with the help of Hydroxocobalamin, a medication that reverses the deadly effects of cyanide poisoning.

“We were finishing up with an assignment when we heard Firefighters advise of a possible trapped person in the basement where the fire is located. We advised dispatch that we were closer than any other medical unit. Being the first medical unit on scene and having no time to don our protective gear, we immediately began working on a critical patient that CPR was being performed on by the Firefighters,” Muller recalled.

“We were able to get IV access to the patient and start administering hydroxocobalamin from the Cyanokit, and removed the patient from the scene to the ambulance,” Strobel added. “Within minutes of administration, the patient regained respiratory drive along with gradual improvement in mental status.”

Three weeks later, Muller and Strobel were able to reunite with their patient, who was given a 20 percent survival chance by doctors.

“The amazing teamwork between Firefighter and EMS on this call is what gave this patient another chance to hug loved ones. You go through some of the most unexplainable experiences filled with many emotions and your partner is right there by your side. The true friendship and partnership has been one of the best things the FDNY has given me,” Muller added. “To anyone interested in joining the FDNY, believe in yourself like the ones who positively impact your life believe in you. Don’t ever settle, and once you’ve accomplished one goal, make a new one and keep going.”

“You may not be recognized for everything you do, but the care you provide will pay for itself tenfold and your patients will remember you. I think most people don’t understand that this is not your typical ‘9 to 5’ office job where there is a defined environment and set of criteria -it’s very dynamic out here,” Strobel added.

Interested in working as a FDNY Paramedic? The first step is to become a FDNY EMT or EMS Trainee. Read more here.