This is only the second time, however, that Biondo has faced a life-threatening situation. “Eight years ago, at the ninth hole, a man was having a heart attack and the [club] doctor administered the defibrillator,” he recalled. “Back in the day, we used to have a doctor here.”

Howard Teitelbaum, a park commissioner for the Village of Lawrence, a member of the board of governors at the country club and a club member for more than 40 years, appealed to the park commission to have defibrillators at the club, which is owned by the village. The devices have been there for five years.

“Defibrillators became one of the pieces of equipment that should be available,” Teitelbaum said. “It can prolong someone’s life until medical professionals arrive.”

Teitelbaum said that Biondo reacted quickly and effectively. “He was excellent at taking care of the situation, and he didn’t panic,” Teitelbaum said. “The procedure was correct, and if it saved [Ehrlich’s] life, we’re thankful for that.”

According to McMahon, as the Herald went to press, Ehrlich was in a coma at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway.