Lombard hails woman a hero for saving man
Dennis Jenkins still cannot recall Christmas Eve morning, but the Homer Glen man will never forget the rest of that day.
It was the day Beth Hubbard helped save his life by performing CPR on him until Lombard paramedics arrived.
"I think it's awesome," Jenkins said Thursday. "Words just don't to it justice."
Hubbard, who lives in DuPage County, was honored Thursday by the Lombard village board and the fire department with a Good Neighbor Award for her actions.
"It's no doubt her actions made a difference in saving his life," fire Lt. Paul DiRienzo said. "CPR does work."
Jenkins, who still has no memory of that morning, was on his way to work in Lombard when he suffered a heart attack.
Also on her way to work nearby, Hubbard was driving behind Jenkins when he suddenly veered off the road and plowed into a snowbank on the 400 block of East Eisenhower Lane, DiRienzo said. Concerned, Hubbard pulled over to check on the driver.
She determined he was not breathing and had no pulse, so she pulled him out of the vehicle and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
"I just thank God she was (driving) behind me," Jenkins said.
Hubbard continued CPR until paramedics arrived and were ready to take over.
"To be able to assess that and act was pretty heroic," DiRienzo said. "She was part of our team."
Within 30 seconds of a cardio defibrillation shock, Jenkins' normal heartbeat returned. He was then taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove for additional treatment.
"It was a blessing that I could do something," Hubbard said. "I've always been one to stop. I've always wanted to help. The good Lord gave me the good sense to know what to do."
She also credited her employer, UtilX Corp., for providing her and other employees with CPR training.
DiRienzo also recognized his men and awarded them each a special cardiac pin. They were Mark Laffrey, Josh Hays, Chris Coomes and Anthony Goodman.
"It's amazing what people did for me," Jenkins said. "I'm glad to be standing here."