[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO VIRGINIA TUFARO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to a real hero from my District, Virginia Tufaro. As a life long 
resident of Long Island, Virginia has dedicated her life to helping 
others. For over 27 years, as a registered nurse and through her 
volunteer work as a member of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Core, the 
New York Disaster Medical Assistance Team, and the Safe Kids 
Coalition--Virginia is truly one of our unsung heros on Long Island.
  In addition, Virginia can be found teaching junior volunteers, 
working at the first station at the Olympic Swim Team Trials, and at 
the local county fair's first aid station.
  Virginia's daily heroism came into the public's eye on December 30, 
1999, when Virginia saved Michael Geier's life. Michael had been riding 
at the North Shore Equestrian Center in Brookville, New York. When 
Michael's horse returned to the barn without Michael, Virginia jumped 
off her horse and into her jeep in search of Michael. She found him 
face down in the dirt. He was flaccid and unresponsive. He had a pulse, 
but his breathing was agony and it was clear the situation was 
desperate.
  Fortunately, Virginia's expertise is in critical care and trauma, 
thus she was able to quickly assess her patient's condition and 
intervene to save his life. She stabilized Michael's airway and 
cervical spine and administered artificial respiration. Virginia then 
mobilized a helicopter rescue and were both airlifted to Nassau County 
Medical Center, a level one trauma center, where he was immediately 
incubated and placed on a ventilator. Michael slipped into a coma for 
about a week, but thankfully today Michael has regained consciousness 
and is doing great at St. Charles Rehabilitation Hospital.
  As we begin to celebrate National Nurses Week, I want to thank 
Virginia for going above and beyond the call of duty for the people of 
Long Island.

                          ____________________