Edward Hospital honors 3 who saved man's life

Three Edward Health & Fitness Center employees are being recognized today with the Naperville hospital's monthly "Good Catch" award after saving a man's life after his heart stopped following a workout.

Jack Hummel was looking peaked after his workout in late June when fitness center service desk leader Laura LaRue noticed him. She asked the 59-year-old Lisle man if he was doing all right and he said she should call 911. LaRue immediately alerted other staff of the situation and called emergency workers to respond, hospital officials said.

Fitness Coordinator Eric Gustafson was one of the first to respond and could tell Hummel's condition was worsening while his pulse and blood pressure were being taken. Hummel began twitching and perspiring before vomiting and collapsing. Workers began CPR after they lost his pulse.

Fitness center program manager Tracy Trimble used a portable heart defibrillator to get Hummel's heart pumping again until paramedics arrived.

"They're fitness trainers," Hummel said. "I don't think it's their job to save lives, but they were tremendous."

Hummel was transported to Edward's emergency room where he was stabilized and eventually underwent surgery to have a defibrillator/pacemaker device implanted.

"We're extremely proud of Tracy, Laura and Eric for their roles in saving Mr. Hummel's life, especially the quick recognition that he needed assistance," said Edward CEO and President Pam Davis. "It's an example of how Edward employees are proactive every day to spot potential errors and safety hazards and to be on the lookout for patients, visitors and health club members who need, but may not be able to ask for help."

Hummel has a history of heart attacks dating to 1988, but this event was different. His heart simply stopped beating, hospital officials said. There was no explanation why it happened; even Hummel said he had been feeling well up to that point. The workout was no different from others he'd gone through regularly since his last heart attack.

Hummel is expected at today's award ceremony, to once again thank the three fitness center employees for helping him.

Edward regularly offers CPR classes; for more information call (630) 527-6363.