By Nina Wu
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HONOLULU — Honolulu Mayor Rick Blandiardi has proclaimed this week National Emergency Medical Services Week.
On Tuesday, Blangiardi spoke about the dedication, sacrifice and compassion EMS professionals demonstrate each day while serving the people of Oahu.
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He also recognized EMS paramedic Will Batalon and EMT Alexis De Costa for their heroic actions during the early morning hours of March 20 , when they from a flooded home after their own ambulance was inundated with rising water.
“These men and women are true heroes, and they deserve our respect and recognition every day,” said Blangiardi in a news release. “I strongly encourage everyone, if you see an EMS professional, to thank them for their steadfast dedication and incredible service.”
Batalon and De Costa were responding to a 911 call at 1 a.m. for a car crash — the call was canceled — when their ambulance was suddenly overcome with floodwaters on Kamehameha Highway near Chun’s Reef.
Honolulu Police Department officers on scene were able to help the EMS crew climb out of the ambulance.
Moments later, they heard screams for help from a nearby home.
Without hesitation, Batalon, De Costa and the two officers waded through chest-high water to get to the house, where they rescued four young children and three adults. Shortly after, officials said, the home suffered a partial collapse.
The family was able to warm up inside a police car on higher ground. An EMS high-water rescue vehicle took the family to an emergency room for further medical treatment.
City officials presented Batalon and De Costa with commemorative plaques recognizing their bravery and service for their actions. Both lost their personal vehicles, which were parked at the Waialua EMS station during the floods.
Blangiardi has directed that Honolulu Hale be lit up in orange and blue from sundown Thursday to sunrise Sunday to commemorate National EMS Week.
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