Double lung transplant recipient appears to be doing well

NEW GLOUCESTER — The New Gloucester firefighter who underwent a double-lung transplant Thursday appears to be doing well after the daylong procedure.

George Carman, 44, woke up Friday morning and communicated with medical staff with a nod to indicate he was not in pain, according to supporters, who issued a media advisory at about 9 a.m.

“Today they will be taking a piece of the lungs to test it, to be sure that the lungs are working for him. If all proves well, they will remove his breathing tubes this afternoon into the evening,” wrote Scott Doyle, his friend and fellow firefighter.

“George, as we all know, is surpassing all expectations, a shock to the medical staff but not a shock to Maine! Go George,” wrote Doyle, who is chairman of the New Lungs for George support group and captain of the town’s fire and rescue service.

Carman left for Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in Manhattan, N.Y., Wednesday for the operation when a donor was identified. Carman was born with cystic fibrosis. He has been a firefighter for the town of New Gloucester for 20 years.