Heroes Among Us: Excel Physical Therapists Recognized

Woburn, MA – It was a normal January morning up in Physical Therapy at Excel Orthopaedic Specialists. A patient was set up with a hot pack and was checked on multiple times. Each time he was perfectly fine, until he wasn’t. Carl became unresponsive and began to seize when his physical therapist, Terri Gigliotti, tried to wake him. She then yelled for someone to call 9-1-1 and her coworkers immediately responded and helped her get Carl to the floor.

That is where two other Physical Therapist Assistants stepped in: Bill Martin and Shayne Gaffney. Bill and Shayne provided five minutes or more of CPR until EMT’s could step in and take over. Everyone involved remained calm, responsive and professional. Teamwork and swift action are the main reasons why Carl made it to the hospital in time to make a full recovery.

Now, just a month and a half later, Carl is doing very well. Excel invited Carl and his wife, Carol, to our celebration of both his recovery and our lifesaving physical therapy department. Awards were given and hands were shaken, but nothing was more important than the words Carol had to share: “We almost lost him. I am so grateful to have my husband back and to all of you who saved his life.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Excel Orthopaedic Specialists is widely known as a regional center for excellence in orthopedic care.

If you would like more information about this topic, please email ocollins@excelortho.com.