Lifesaving Medals Awarded

Published 1:30 am Thursday, August 17, 2023

The Makah Tribe awarded the Life Saving Medal to Firefighter/Advanced EMT Tony Perry and Firefighter/EMT Christopher Martinez. The ceremony was held at the Makah Community Hall on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, with the Makah Tribal Council, family friends, and their patient in attendance.

Perry and Martinez responded to a call of a choking infant on the morning of October 8, 2022. They arrived to a completely unresponsive infant. Information was hesitantly provided the child had been exposed to fentanyl. With Martinez providing CPR, Perry was able to quickly establish vascular access and administer Narcan. The child regained a pulse and began breathing on his own. Perry and Martinez continued care through treatment at Sophie Trettevick Indian Health Center.

The child was transferred to LifeFlight Network Aircraft and transported to Children’s Hospital in Seattle for continued care. The child was released from the hospital with no difficulties the next day.

During this emergency call, Both Perry and Martinez displayed expert knowledge and skills that were instrumental to saving the life of their patient.

Tony Perry has 17 years experience with Neah Bay Fire and EMS. Christopher Martinez has 2 years.