South Orange EMT describes life-saving moment at Knicks Parade
Simone Kelly says she was already on heightened alert after responding to an earlier medical incident in the crowd when she noticed a man on top of a subway structure suddenly become unresponsive.
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A South Orange EMT is being called a hero after stepping in during a medical emergency at the New York Knicks championship parade in New York City.
Simone Kelly says she was already on heightened alert after responding to an earlier medical incident in the crowd when she noticed a man on top of a subway structure suddenly become unresponsive.
From her vantage point, Kelly watched as fans gathered below, while others were lifted onto the structure above the celebration.
She says she didn’t hesitate to move in.
Kelly, an EMT with the South Orange Rescue Squad, climbed up with others to reach the man and immediately began assessing his condition. She says he was unresponsive and showing clear signs of a medical emergency.
Kelly says she also observed slow, shallow breathing and pinpoint pupils — signs she says are consistent with a suspected overdose.
“At that point, the signs were pointing in that direction, and we had a tool that could help reverse it,” she said.
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She administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
Kelly says she typically carries Narcan with her, but did not have it that day due to strict bag restrictions at the parade. She says someone in the crowd threw her a dose when it was needed.
“I feel very strongly that no one should die because of accidental ingestion or overdose,” Kelly said.
Once the man regained consciousness, responders faced another challenge — safely bringing him down from the structure.
“We had to move this man, that was essentially unresponsive, down a vertical of about 30 feet,” she said.
The rescue quickly spread on social media, with many calling Kelly a hero.
But she says she was simply doing her job.
“Narcan is very easy to use. It’s just a spray into the nose,” Kelly said. “Anyone could have done what I did — it’s about being willing to step in.”
Kelly says she hopes the moment encourages more people to learn about Narcan and carry it, saying it can make the difference between life and death in seconds.
