Young employee saves resident's life
Eighteen-year old Lucas Bennett of North Aurora is credited with saving the life of a resident at GreenFields of Geneva earlier this year. The Waubonsie Community College student works as a dining room server for the senior living community. A resident in healthcare started choking on her food at dinner one evening, and the nursing assistant wasn't able to dislodge it.
"She started doing the Heimlich maneuver but her arms were too short to get a firm grip. She asked me to step in, and I did," Lucas recalled. "I was shocked and scared. It was surreal. Afterwards, I went back into the kitchen and carried on with what I'd been doing."
9-1-1 had been called, and when the Elburn Fire Department arrived on-site after Lucas had already helped the resident, one of the firemen came in and asked for his name. "He told me I'd saved the resident's life, and I was in disbelief," Lucas recalled.
Lucas had learned the Heimlich maneuver in high school health class, and the steps came back to him.
He said he told his parents and a couple of friends about what he'd done. "They're really proud which was nice," he said. Especially proud, is Lucas's grandfather Bill Peterson who is a resident of GreenFields.
"He's been telling everyone. GreenFields had a meeting last week and honored me. My grandfather and the fire department were there," Lucas said. He was also invited to the Elburn Fire Department's banquet, at which he was recognized. "I received an award for exemplary action. They said they were blown away that a citizen did what I did before they arrived. They were grateful with the outcome," said Lucas.
"We are so proud of Lucas," said Jim Holbrook, executive director of GreenFields. "The safety and well-being of all of our residents is of the utmost importance, and we're thankful that one of our associates was able to help a resident in such a significant way."
Lucas said he never anticipated having to use the Heimlich maneuver, but was glad that he'd paid attention when it had been taught. "Because of that, I knew what I was doing and was able to step up and save a life. I saved a life. It's surreal," he said. "I was there at the right time and right place, and I'm glad I could help. It's what anyone should do; anyone should help everyone to the best of their abilities."
GreenFields is an exceptional LifeCare community offering an ideal location, a wonderful retirement lifestyle. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsofGeneva.org.