Page 16 - Work Force June 2025

CSEA members at nursing facility save visitor’s life
OLEAN — What started as a normal day at Cattaraugus County’s Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency that tested the skill, training and teamwork of several CSEA-represented employees.
Recently, a facility visitor who was there to see his father-in-law suddenly suffered a heart attack.
Staff immediately sprang into action. Assistant Director of Nursing Stacy Allen initiated CPR while others called 911 and retrieved the AED.
CPR continued for approximately 12 minutes, with team members alternating to combat fatigue.
The AED was used during the resuscitation effort, and the individual regained color and consciousness before being transported by EMTs.
Just days later, the man returned
to the facility to thank the team for saving his life.
Among those involved were CSEA members April Crisafulli, in-service coordinator; Brandi Ferris, licensed practical nurse supervisor; Autumn Benson, licensed practical nurse and Atiya Milliner, head nurse.
One team member managed the code while another comforted the man’s wife during the crisis.
“They called code blue, we were going to grab the crash cart and Stacy had started compressions, so it was a very quick response and that is what we are trained to do.” said Crisafulli.
The staff emphasized the importance of regular CPR and
AED training, which is conducted quarterly at the facility. All nurses are required to maintain CPR certification, and mock drills are held to reinforce response skills.
From left, CSEA members employed at Cattaraugus County Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center Anna Newark, April Crisafulli, Brandi Ferris, Jennifer Childs, Autumn Benson and Atiya Milliner.
Following the incident, a debriefing session was held to support staff emotionally.
“You’re in the trenches and [sometimes] you have no support, so to be here, we had all these people around for support, it was amazing.” said Milliner.
“I think we were all really proud of each other,” said Crisafulli.
The workers’ swift response reflects not only their individual skill and dedication, but also the collective strength that comes from
a well-trained and well-supported workforce.
“Our union is exceptionally proud of the outstanding professionalism, preparedness and teamwork demonstrated by members during this life-saving event,” said Western Region President Steve Healy.
“This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of investing in employee training, workplace safety, and union advocacy.”
— Sara McNicholas
Ali Cottrell, PEOPLE recruiter of the month
SYRACUSE — Ali Cottrell of the SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital Local in the Central Region is the PEOPLE Recruiter of the Month for April, recruiting 31 new PEOPLE members.
Cottrell
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid,” said Cottrell. “A third of our hospital’s budget is directly funded through Medicaid. We can’t risk these cuts to our health care system.”
CSEA’s PEOPLE program protects and improves our
jobs, benefits, and pensions
in Washington, Albany, and in your community. Your support and participation in PEOPLE strengthens CSEA’s clout in the workplace, in the legislature, in your community, and in the labor movement.
— Nicholas Newcomb
“It’s important to make sure we have a strong and well-funded PEOPLE program to fight back when there are threats of cuts
to crucial federal programs like
Celebrate Pride
June is Pride Month. Our union strongly supports the LGBTQ+ community, including many CSEA members. Our union will participate in Pride events across the state in upcoming months; events are listed below. We encourage you to join in a Pride event in your area.
Metropolitan Region:
June 28: Youth Pride, Manhattan June 29: Pride Parade, Manhattan
Capital Region:
June 8: Pride Parade, Albany
June 11: Pride Night at the Plaza, Albany
Central Region:
June 21: Pride Parade, Syracuse
Western Region:
June 1: Pride Parade, Buffalo July 13: Pride Picnic, Rochester July 19: Pride Parade, Rochester
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16 The Work Force
June 2025