New Haven Firefighters and Paramedics Save 6-Year-Old's Life

Mayor praises first responders for quick action during medical emergency

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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New Haven firefighters and American Medical Response paramedics were praised by the city's mayor for saving the life of a 6-year-old girl who experienced a severe asthma attack and respiratory arrest in December. The first responders performed CPR and other life-saving interventions at the scene before transporting the child to the hospital, where she recovered.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the critical role that first responders play in saving lives during medical emergencies, especially for vulnerable populations like young children. It also underscores the importance of emergency medical training and preparedness among firefighters and paramedics in keeping communities safe.

The details

According to officials, firefighters were the first to respond to the scene on the morning of December 10th, where the 6-year-old girl, SummerRanae, was experiencing respiratory arrest. The firefighters began CPR and airway management, and an EMT administered medications to prevent cardiac arrest. Paramedics from American Medical Response soon arrived and assisted in stabilizing the patient before transporting her to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment. Hospital staff reported that the girl's life was saved thanks to the quick and effective actions of the first responders.

  • On the morning of December 10th, 2026, firefighters responded to the medical emergency involving the 6-year-old girl.

The players

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, who praised the firefighters and paramedics for saving the young girl's life.

SummerRanae

The 6-year-old girl who experienced a severe asthma attack and respiratory arrest, and was saved by the first responders.

New Haven Fire Department

The city's fire department, whose firefighters were the first to respond to the medical emergency and perform life-saving interventions.

American Medical Response (AMR)

The emergency medical services provider whose paramedics assisted the firefighters in stabilizing the patient and transporting her to the hospital.

Yale New Haven Hospital

The hospital where the 6-year-old girl was transported and treated, and where the first responders will be honored for their actions.

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What they’re saying

“Our firefighters, every single day, are responding to emergencies and helping save lives in the city. It's inspiring to see that work being done.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven (nhregister.com)

What’s next

Mayor Elicker and hospital staff will honor the first responders for their life-saving actions at an event at Yale New Haven Hospital on Wednesday morning. The girl and her family will be in attendance.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of well-trained and prepared first responders in saving lives during medical emergencies, especially for vulnerable populations like young children. It serves as a testament to the dedication and skill of New Haven's firefighters and paramedics in keeping their community safe.