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Lombard first responders save two lives in an hour

Lombard police and firefighters saved the lives of two unresponsive patients while responding to separate calls received within an hour of each other, thanks to early intervention with CPR and automatic external defibrillators.

On Feb. 6, the first cardiac victim went into arrest at a local fitness facility and the second victim went into cardiac arrest at the Lombard Police Department. The second victim was an officer from a neighboring community who was working with Lombard police.

Both cardiac patients were saved due to the swift actions of bystanders initiating CPR and the use of an AED. Responding paramedics used the AED device on the first victim upon arrival, and the second victim was assisted by officers who had been trained to use the AED system.

Lombard firefighter/paramedics used advanced cardiac life support measures, including aggressive drug therapy, airway support and heart monitoring. Both patients were transported to local hospitals.

"It is because of our training and our use of these AEDs that two lives were saved. Our AEDs are user friendly, light weight, bilingual, and are designed to work well in the field," Deputy Police Chief Roy Newton said.

"Sometimes we're on the scene before our firefighters and EMTs. Seconds count when it comes to a cardiac event, and if we can begin lifesaving efforts prior to the fire department arrival, we can save a life."

"It's very unusual to have two cardiac arrest calls in this short of a time frame on the same day, and with such positive outcomes," Lombard fire Lt. Frank Gallione said. "These situations illustrate the benefit of early intervention with CPR and an AED."

The village recently recognized first responders' successful lifesaving efforts.

"We had two lives saved, one by the fire department and one by police officers," said Trustee Dan Whittington, who heads the Public Safety and Transportation committee.

"This proves that the AED machines are beneficial to our community. I'm very thankful for our first responders in saving the lives of these two individuals."

The American Heart Association acknowledges that immediate access to defibrillation is the single biggest factor in increased survivability after a sudden cardiac event.

Lombard police officers used an automatic external defibrillator to begin treating a visiting officer who went into cardiac arrest at the station. Officers Joe Statkus and Neil Eriksen, Deputy Chief Roy Newton and Sgt. Terry Evoy are trained to begin lifesaving measures even before paramedics arrive. Courtesy of the village of Lombard
Use of automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, helped save the lives of two cardiac patients who needed emergency aid within an hour of each other on Feb. 6 in Lombard. Courtesy of the village of Lombard
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