2020 Lifesaver Award
Daniel Goggin
2020 Lifesaver Award
Park Ranger Daniel Goggin is a huge asset to DEP in many ways. He has expertise in the natural world, is helpful and engaging with park visitors, and has a background of volunteering with EMS. His experience in the emergency medical field is extremely beneficial for the state park service, not only for park visitors, but with other staff members as well.
Three days leading up to June 22, 2020, a fellow ranger was experiencing strange sensations that were at first thought to be heat related. On June 22, the ranger was feeling poorly and was very confused as to what was happening nearby. This employee was working at the ranger station, was light-headed and could barely function. Several staff members noticed something was wrong and tried to help.
Ranger Goggin came to the ranger station and because of his emergency medical experience, his immediate response was to check the fellow ranger's pulse. Based on the pulse rate, Daniel quickly decided to call 911 because symptoms indicated to him that the fellow employee may have been suffering a heart attack. EMS arrived and reported no major issues except possible dehydration. EMS recommended this person seek additional medical attention.
The fellow employee was taken by their spouse to the emergency room to be diagnosed and treated. Based on the test results, the fellow employee needed two stents due to a serious artery blockage. One blockage was at 99%, the other at 80%. The fellow employee spent the next four days in the hospital.
If it were not for the quick thinking of Ranger Goggin and other rangers at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, as well as Daniel's experience and knowledge in emergency medical incidents, their fellow ranger likely would not be here today.
The fellow employee is honored to nominate the very talented and lifesaving Ranger Goggin for the Lifesaver Award. Daniel is considered an angel disguised as a ranger for aiding and assisting in a life-threatening event for a fellow ranger.
The Lifesaver Award is awarded to an employee or volunteer for saving the life of another person.