Senate Resolution No. 1415

BY: Senator PALUMBO

COMMENDING Elizabeth Piraino upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations to preserve the
life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Elizabeth Piraino upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, A single parent of two children, Elizabeth Piraino stopped
at the local BJ's Wholesale Club to purchase some groceries on her way
home from a full day of work as a registered nurse; while waiting in
line in the self-checkout area of the store, she heard someone calling
for assistance; and

WHEREAS, Immediately responding to the appeal for help, Elizabeth
Piraino acted bravely in providing life-saving cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) to a gentleman who was collapsing onto the floor;
her many years of nursing experience allowed her to assess the
gentleman's condition quickly and proceed to take swift action; and

WHEREAS, Performing CPR immediately, Elizabeth Piraino implored
someone to call 911 and requested the automated external defibrillator
(AED) from a store employee; she began to deliver immediate chest
compressions, and when the AED was given to her, she defibrillated the
gentleman's heart into normal rhythm; and

WHEREAS, After Elizabeth Piraino saved the gentleman's life and
stabilized his condition until the paramedics arrived to assume control
of his care, the ambulance crew transported the patient to Peconic Bay
Medical Center in Riverhead, New York; due to Elizabeth Piraino's noble
and courageous actions, a precious life was saved, and a seemingly dire
situation had positive results; and

WHEREAS, Elizabeth Piraino, in her spontaneous and heroic act, has
so aptly demonstrated her character and compassion for the welfare of
others, personifying, by virtue of her action, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of New York State who voluntarily
respond without thought of danger or reward when others need help; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Elizabeth Piraino upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elizabeth Piraino.