ROCKLAND — Rockland EMS tapped several mutual aid agencies and considered other options when three calls came along within five minutes, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., Rockland Fire and EMS, along with police, were alerted to a significant medical event occurring outside of a home on Broad Street. Approximately three minutes later, with the Fire/EMS crew on scene, with other call shift members being requested, and with police expediting their own response, a new medical call spoke of a female on the Breakwater who was in and out of consciousness. Approximately two minutes after that, a third call came through: medical call at Trackside restaurant. Possible stroke.

Every minute counts when dealing with a stroke. Those calls also need a paramedic. Medical calls to the Breakwater are often labor intensive in terms of reaching the patient, either via the walkway itself, or being motored out in a boat. If the patient requires CPR, many more hands are needed. Then, there’s the long walk back while carrying the patient. Unless the crew has the fortune of procuring a boat.

Rockland EMS needed three of their four regular shift workers for the ambulance ride from Broad Street. The fire chief went to the Breakwater. An assistant chief was able to break away from Broad Street and go to Trackside.

Thomaston EMS wasn’t available. South Thomaston Ambulance was en route to the hospital with their own patient. That left St. George for the Trackside call. Rockport EMS, and eventually Rockport FD, were called to the Breakwater.

Often nowadays for Breakwater calls where the patient is more than halfway out, responders hop a ride on the Harbor Master’s boat. At that moment, however, that vessel was in use elsewhere. As an alternative, the Fire Chief requested either a call to the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol for a ride. Yet, another option has recently come to light, and Knox Regional Communications Center dispatched the request: Knox County Sheriff’s Office agreed to assist in their new boat, which is now moored in Rockland Harbor.

St. George EMS had made it as far as Thomaston when they were told to hold in place. A different Rockland responder had arrived at the station and grabbed an ambulance. Another member arrived to the restaurant from the other direction. With the assistance of the assistant chief, they were able to load and transport the patient. But, after the sudden flux of calls, no one wanted St. George turning around and rushing home too soon.

At the Breakwater, word came prior to KCSO starting their motor that the patient was now conscious and walking back to the parking lot with the assistance of a paramedic and nurse who happened to be visiting the landmark. That patient eventually declined to be transported to the hospital by EMS, and the Rockport crew returned to their station. St. George was released from standby as well.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com