Quick response saves life at CORE in Lemont

LEMONT

The Lemont Park District Guest Services Committee and the Lemont Fire Protection District honored park district staff, CORE members and firefighter/paramedics for their successful lifesaving efforts at the Lemont Park District CORE Fitness & Aquatic Complex this fall.

The recognition presentation took place at a park district board meeting in the Centennial Community Center.

“All the work spent on policies, procedures, training, etc., have just paid off,” Lemont Park District Board President Brian Pepich said in the news release. “The staff, civilians and the Lemont Fire Protection District’s quick actions have touched so many lives through this one event. Not only the CORE member who needed immediate assistance, but his entire family, friends, colleagues … the list goes on. Nice job, everyone.”

On a Sunday morning, a 71-year-old CORE member was observed to be unconscious in the Fitness Center. Another CORE member standing by noticed the gentleman in distress and took action.

Keith Gothard instantly notified Fitness Desk staff Cheryl Pacheco and Sylwia Jazowski of the situation.

Pacheco immediately called 911 and Jazowski hurried to the front of the building to inform front desk staff to direct the emergency responders to the patient. Service Desk staff member Gina Lietza returned to the Fitness Center with Jazowski to assist CORE member Ed Delelio in initiating first aid. Lietza recognized the patient was in cardiac arrest and retrieved the automated external defibrillator. Delelio began cardiopulmonary resuscitation while Lietza prepared and applied the AED to the patient and initiated the shock protocol.

The emergency response crews arrived on the scene, continued CPR and began advanced lifesaving measures preparing the patient for rapid transport to the hospital.

“We definitely hold our value of Safety First in the highest regards and incorporate this in all that we do,” Lemont Park District Executive Director Louise Egofske said in the release. “We go to great lengths to make sure our training and certifications are thorough and carefully implemented. The district is incredibly grateful to the CORE members who came forward and jumped right in to help, as well as the first responders at the scene. Great job, everyone.”

Battalion Chief David Bettenhausen responded with Ambulance 914 (Lt. Jeff Czemske and firefighters Mike Kingman and Rami Elsharief) and Engine Company 941 (firefighters Jeff Bailey, Pat Hines and Mark Armor). The Fire District response crew was commended for their professionalism and successful lifesaving efforts. The CORE member was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where he received further medical care. It was reported that the efforts made on-site at The CORE saved his life. He was discharged from the hospital within a few days.

Lemont Fire Chief George Rimbo summed up the situation, saying in the release, “Because of the quick actions of park district employees, CORE members and fire district emergency responders, this man’s life was ultimately saved.”