A Bridgeport detective was honored for saving a man's life by using new technology.

When four people were shot outside the Golden Hill Street Courthouse last week, Bridgeport Police Detective Albert Palatiello was there within two minutes.

"On scene, it was chaotic. We saw a blood trail leading into the courthouse," Palatiello said.

Along with Connecticut state marshals and other emergency personnel on scene, Palatiello knew that he would need every bit of his training to ensure a positive outcome.

"Walked in, I saw three people injured, lots of blood on the floor," Palatiello recalled. He and the other first responders quickly determined what they had to do first.

"I noticed one lying face down and complaining that he couldn't breathe. Already on scene were marshals that were holding some bandages to him," Palatiello said.

The gunshot victim had what's known as a "sucking chest wound", when air is sucked into the thoracic cavity through the chest wall instead of into the lungs through the airways. Palatiello said a victim can suffocate because there is too much air in the chest cavity.

Palatiello and his fellow officers had recently received special training, and new trauma kits to go with it containing a chest seal, so they knew exactly what had to be done.

"In my pack, I had an occlusive bandage which I applied to that sucking chest wound," Palatiello explained.

Police say there is no doubt that Palatiello's use of the chest seal, the bandage and the training helped to save the victim's life.

The new father accepted a commendation from state and local leaders on behalf of all emergency personnel involved in that response.

"He saved a life, and that courage deserves this recognition," Sen. Richard Blumenthal said.

"It was goodt that I was able to have that training and then use it, kind of confirming that the training it works. And the medic kit, that worked, too," Palatiello said.

At a time when law enforcement is constantly under attack, authorities said this case shows police at their best.

"We're here to make a difference," Palatiello added.

Bridgeport police said the special training they received in emergency medical care was sponsored by the Sisters of Charity at Saint Vincent's Hospital.