Commendations presented after cardiac arrest save

Five members of the Vernon Hills-based Countryside Fire Protection District were honored for lifesaving efforts at the May 21 regularly scheduled meeting of the fire district board.

Lt. Russ Bach, firemedics Pat Michelau, Jessica Gregurich and Colin Murray, and firefighter/EMT Adam Walovitch each were presented with an individual commendation for their lifesaving efforts during a rescue call April 18.

At 2:07 p.m. that day, Ambulance 411 and Engine 411 were dispatched for a patient experiencing chest pain in unincorporated Mundelein. While units were responding, 911 dispatchers relayed that the patient had collapsed and was no longer breathing.

CPR instructions were given to the caller by the dispatcher and citizen CPR was initiated. Within five minutes of the initial 911 call, the ambulance crew arrived and was faced with an unconscious patient in cardiac arrest. The paramedics continued CPR and readied the defibrillator as the engine crew arrived with additional paramedics.

During the crew's delivery of advanced life support care, the patient regained a pulse and was taken in critical condition to the emergency room at Advocate Condell Medical Center where definitive care was delivered. The patient survived.

This is an example of the entire emergency care system working together and saving a patient's life, Countryside fire officials said in a news release about the awards. The Individual Commendation Award was presented as the quick and decisive actions of the engine and ambulance crews were instrumental in the survival of the patient, officials said.

CPR delivered as quickly as possible after a person goes into cardiac arrest is a key factor in the patient's outcome. Classes are offered monthly at the Countryside Fire Protection District. Visit www.countrysidefire.com.