Wildwood firefighter Nick Palmer
Wildwood firefighter Nick Palmer didn’t need to rush into a burning building to save a life.
He came to the aid of a distressed person thousands of feet in the air – on a Spirit Airlines flight from Florida to Atlantic City International Airport.
Palmer was returning to New Jersey from a family trip to Orlando on Nov. 6 when there was an in-flight medical emergency involving another passenger.
According to witnesses, Palmer immediately responded when flight attendants requested medical assistance for the passenger. Without hesitation, he stepped forward to help stabilize the passenger.
“Demonstrating calm professionalism and decisive leadership, he took control of the situation and led the effort to stabilize the individual until the flight landed safely. Due to Palmer’s quick and effective actions, an emergency landing was averted,” the city of Wildwood said in a news release Thursday about the incident.
Wildwood Commissioner Steve Mikulski, who oversees public safety, said Palmer’s actions were “a perfect example of what it means to be a Wildwood firefighter.”
“Even off duty, his instinct was to act. His training, confidence, and professionalism helped stabilize a life-threatening situation thousands of feet in the air. We could not be prouder,” Mikulski said in the release.
Mikulski emphasized that Palmer’s response reflected the strong foundation built within the Wildwood Fire Department.
“This level of preparedness does not happen by chance. It speaks to the outstanding leadership of Chief Ernie Troiano III and Deputy Chief Daniel Dunn and the company officers who train, mentor, and set the standard for our firefighters every day,” Milkulski said
The city thanked Palmer for representing the community with honor and for demonstrating the highest standards of public service – both on duty and off.
