Darien Official Suffers Stroke, Credits Loved One For Saving Life

DARIEN, IL – Darien Alderman Eric Gustafson said Monday that he recently suffered a severe stroke in Ontario, Canada, where he sometimes works.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Gustafson said he had finished a long day's work and was preparing dinner when he suffered the stroke.

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He said that after his future son-in-law called 911, two police officers and seven volunteer paramedics arrived a few minutes later.

Gustafson said he didn't want to go to the hospital at first, but the police told him he would either go with them or in an ambulance.

Gustafson chose the ambulance.

Darien Alderman Eric Gustafson speaks about his severe stroke in Canada at Monday's City Council meeting. (City of Darien/via video)

"I just want to say that if your paramedics ever tell you it's time to go to the hospital, just go," he said.

He was taken to a nearby hospital, then flown to a specialized one. He praised the medical professionals at both places.

He spent 4½ days in intensive care.

After he returned to the United States, he saw his cardiologist.

"After he read through all the medical documentation, he was amazed I was still alive after suffering such a severe stroke," the alderman said.

Gustafson gave a "great deal of thanks" to his future son-in-law for being alive.

"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here tonight," Gustafson said.

The council applauded him, with aldermen saying, "Welcome back."