As part of a campaign to raise awareness of just how vital the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps is to Wilton, Emmy award-winning actor and producer — and Wilton resident — Joe Pantoliano made a very important appearance in a new video telling his own story of being helped by Wilton’s EMTs.
Pantoliano is one of two Wilton residents featured in a new video that WVAC has made to showcase its life-saving efforts, and remind residents that WVAC is an independent volunteer service that is not a Town-run first response service.
The powerful new video shares dramatic survival stories while showcasing the commitment of WVAC’s volunteers, who provide 24/7 emergency medical coverage for the town. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WVAC relies on community support and volunteers to sustain its vital services.
The videos was produced by Bob McCarthy of Ridgefield Communications, and it pays tribute to the remarkable dedication of the volunteers and serves as a reminder of WVAC’s importance to the Wilton community.
In the video, Pantoliano, who enjoys taking walks with his family near his home, described what happened during one such outing, just a few years ago. At an intersection, he stopped to let an SUV cross the lane and make a left turn in front of him. Moments later, that SUV was slammed by an oncoming car speeding in the opposite direction. The force of the crash pushed the vehicles into Pantoliano and he was rammed broadside.
“When I got hit, I got hit in the chest with the rear view mirror. I went up in the air and then went headfirst through a three post fence, and I’m on the ground, and I felt this incredible pain. I was like, ‘I hope I didn’t hit a rock.’ I saw a big boulder in the ground, and I remember thinking that my head hurt and my ear was ringing,” Pantoliano recounts, growing emotional.
Luckily, WVAC’s ambulance quickly responded and Wilton EMTs treated him at the scene and got him stabilized. The Wilton ambulance took Pantoliano to the emergency room at Norwalk Hospital. He has since recovered and continues acting and producing movies.
In WVAC’s video, he says that at the time of his emergency, he didn’t realize that Wilton ambulance service is mostly staffed by volunteers — his Wilton neighbors.
“I didn’t know it was volunteer. You’re the only game in town. Wilton, who you’re going to call, Ghostbusters? The gal that treated me. She measured not only my physical stats, but my emotional stats,” Pantoliano said, clearly moved as he recalled what happened,” You know, you guys are terrific.”
As WVAC prepares to plan and build a new headquarters on Danbury Rd., WVAC officials wanted a way to remind the community of the vital role these volunteers play every day.
“With this video, we hope to bring greater awareness to the incredible WVAC volunteers who live in our community, who dedicate their time and expertise to helping their neighbors through what can often be some of the most stressful times,” WVAC Treasurer Betsy Wallon said
She said that it was a pleasure to work with Pantoliano and he’s a steadfast supporter of WVAC’s cause. His participation in the video is a reminder that emergencies can affect anyone — and that WVAC serves everyone.
“People may recognize Joe as a celebrated actor from TV and movies, but when he called on WVAC for emergency help, he was just another neighbor in need. We are honored that he lent his voice to this project because it can help amplify the important work our volunteers do every day,” Wallon added.
Also featured in the video is long-time Wilton resident Julene Greenshields, who vividly recalled the moment her daughter Natalie suffered a sudden medical emergency as a child. She believes that WVAC’s quick response and advanced training of the EMTs and paramedics saved her daughter’s life that day.
“We called 911. So many people showed up in the driveway quickly,” Greenshields said in the video. “They were completely aware this was serious, and they needed to get her to the hospital as soon as possible.”
Greenshields’ and Pantoliano’s experiences highlight the essence of WVAC — skilled and compassionate volunteers dedicated to safeguarding the health and safety of their neighbors.
Great video – even better organization – THANK YOU TEAM!
We all have stories about Wilton EMS. I was a Wilton resident in 2012 and on my way to work on Rt 7 to 10 Westport Rd. I was stopped on Rt. 7 waiting to make a left on Seeley Rd when a tractor trailer came barreling around the road and rear ended me. Firemen, used a crowbar to get me out of the drivers seat, said that my car, a Volvo, saved my life. EMT took great care of me placing me in ambulance and getting me to Norwalk Hospital. Car was totaled. Kudos to all of the volunteers in Wilton!