Simone Kelly, a 24-year-old EMT, has been honored with the first-ever Health Commissioner's Award for Lifesaving Action for her swift response in saving a suspected overdose victim during the New York Knicks' ticker tape parade. The award was presented by City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin.
Kelly, a neuroscience student at Drew University and a volunteer EMT with the South Orange Rescue Squad in New Jersey, was stationed on a city Sanitation truck when she observed the man exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose, including shallow breathing and pinpoint pupils. She immediately intervened, and with the help of Narcan provided by a bystander, was able to revive the individual. Video footage captured the critical moments of the rescue.
Dr. Martin surprised Kelly with the award at a meeting at the Tweed Courthouse, which she believed was to discuss harm reduction services. In addition to the award, Martin penned a personal letter of recommendation to Kelly's medical school of choice, commending her skills and decisive action. Kelly described the letter as containing