Skip to main content
City of Coral Gables

File #: 25-8793    Version: 1 Name: EMS Award of Excellence
Type: Presentation/Protocol Document Status: Noted and Filed
File created: 3/12/2025 In control: City Commission
On agenda: 5/20/2025 Final action: 5/20/2025
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: Recognition of Medical Excellence Celebrating EMS Professionals
Attachments: 1. Cover Memo EMS Award of Excellence

Title

Recognition of Medical Excellence Celebrating EMS Professionals

 

Body

On Sunday, March 9th, a resident, Beatriz Benzaquen, tragically fell from the stage at Granada Church in a horrific accident between services. The Coral Gables Fire Rescue team arrived on the scene within 3 minutes, providing critical care and stabilizing Ms. Benzaquen for transport. Their quick response and expert care led to her immediate transfer to Ryder Trauma, where she underwent life-saving brain surgery. The surgeons initially expressed doubts about her survival and were uncertain about her prognosis, noting it would take 3 to 4 days before they could assess whether her brain would recover.

 

Remarkably, Ms. Benzaquen began to show signs of recovery soon after surgery. By Monday, March 10th, she was off the ventilator, and by Tuesday, she was able to recognize her name and the names of her six children. By Wednesday, she was already discussing her plans to resume leading her grief group at church. This swift and remarkable recovery can be attributed to the quick actions of Lt. James, Firefighter Calero and Firefighter Davalos.

 

The professionalism and care exhibited by this EMS crew undoubtedly saved Ms. Benzaquen's life and contributed significantly to her recovery. Their dedication and expertise in the field truly reflect the best of emergency medical services.