New Bedford FD credit firefighter for saving elderly man’s life while on vacation

May 7, 2025 11:37 pm

Cate Hanewich,

New Bedford firefighter Michael Desouza is being credited with saving an elderly man's life while on vacation. (courtesy: New Bedford Fire Department)

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford firefighter Michael Desouza and a 911 Dispatcher for Waltham, Mass. are being credited with saving an elderly man’s life while on vacation in Bermuda.

During the vacation, while at the beach, an 75-year-old man was discovered floating unresponsive in about two feet of water.

Desouza and the 911 Dispatcher brought him to shore, where he was observed to be unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless.

The two began performing CPR on the man, who became semi-conscious after a short period of chest compressions.

Two surgeons soon assisted with care, and the man was taken to the hospital.

According to the New Bedford Fire Department, the patient made a full recovery and was able to return home. Officials said the man was a Catholic priest from Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada.

“FF Desouza exemplifies what the New Bedford Fire Department’s slogan ‘Service Above Self’ means,” the New Bedford Fire Department said. “His lifesaving actions illustrate that the knowledge and skills learned as a firefighter can be called upon to save a life no matter where in the world you might be.”