Quick response saves life at CORE in Lemont

LEMONT – The Lemont Park District Guest Services Committee and Lemont Fire Protection District honored Park District staff, CORE members and firefighter/paramedics on Feb. 23 for their successful lifesaving efforts at the Lemont Park District CORE Fitness & Aquatic Complex.

This is the second lifesaving effort at The CORE, and happened within a nine-week time frame, the district news release stated. The first save occurred in October, and the second Dec. 5. The presentation celebrating all those involved took place at February’s board meeting at the Centennial Community Center.

“Who would have ever thought that in such a short period of time a second major life-threatening medical emergency would have happened at The CORE with such a magnificent outcome,” Lemont Park District Board President Brian Pepich said in the release. “Thanks to the flawless efforts of members, staff and the Lemont Fire Department, this person has the opportunity to watch his children grow up – one of the simple things in life we all sometimes take for granted.”

At about 11:45 a.m. Dec. 5, a 53-year-old CORE member was observed to be unconscious in the fitness center, the release stated. CORE members noticed the gentleman in distress and took action. Claudia Galica instantly notified Fitness Desk staffer Michael Czuma. He alerted The CORE Service Desk, and Customer Service Manager Marybeth Nunzio called 911.

Czuma then retrieved the automated external defibrillator and returned to the scene along with Sue Wojnowski, the manager on duty. At that time, two additional CORE members, Randy McGregor and Sebastian Koziel, had begun cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Czuma and Wojnowski assisted the two members in continuing CPR efforts and AED 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.

“The atmosphere of the Lemont Park District continues to be one of service and support for one another,” Lemont Park District Executive Director Louise Egofske said in the release. “District staff are truly special people who not only love what they do, but take their responsibilities of safety training very seriously. We cannot thank our noble civilians enough who stepped up and took action to assist in such a successful outcome. Lemont’s superior first responders continue to shine throughout our community, offering the very best in emergency response. This fantastic team effort resulted in a life saved; congratulations everyone.”

The release stated that police officer David Gentile arrived on the scene. Battalion Chief Matt Peksa responded with Ambulance 914 (Lt. Dave Evers and firefighters Rami Elsharief and Andrew Puckett) and Engine Company 941 (Lt. Scott Lippe and firefighters Patrick Hines and Alan DeCamp).

The Fire District response crew were 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. After further medical attention, he is back to his normal routine and is doing well, according to the release.

Lemont Fire Chief George Rimbo presented the Chief’s Lifesaving Award.

“The first minutes in a medical emergency are crucial,” he said in the release. “And when people can recognize, remain calm and react is what can make all the difference.”