Elmhurst Hospital honors Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace Fire Depts. with EMS "Run of the Year"

Elmhurst Hospital has awarded its 2015 EMS (Emergency Medical Services) “Run of the Year” to members of the Lombard Fire Department and Oakbrook Terrace Fire Protection District for their efforts in rescuing a man in January who was found outside on a driveway, unconscious and suffering from a severe case of hypothermia. He had a body temperature of 77 degrees (normal is 98.6) and was near death.

Lombard Fire Department Lieutenant Frank Gallione, and paramedics Tim Hogan and Adam Kruckenberg, along with Oakbrook Terrace Fire Protection District paramedics Chad Mezzera and Louis Vicelli, used hot packs and blankets to re-warm the patient, who regained consciousness and was transported to the Emergency Department at Elmhurst Hospital. Three days later, he was released from the hospital.

More than 50 EMS personnel and police officers were honored at Elmhurst Hospital’s third annual Recognition Dinner on September 23. The event caps off the year-long “Run of the Month” program in which area paramedics are honored for exceptional ambulance runs with a breakfast at their station.

In addition to the announcement of the “Run of the Year,” the last year’s “Run of the Month” recipients were also recognized, including the Elmhurst Fire Department, Elmhurst Police Department, Melrose Park Fire Department, Oakbrook Terrace Police Department, Oak Brook Fire Department, Villa Park Fire Department and York Center Fire Protection District.

Elmhurst Hospital has been honoring area EMS providers with the “Run of the Month” since 2012. Teams are selected based on excellent communication from the field, excellent work in gathering information, clear and thorough documentation, superior clinical assessment skills, heroic behavior in the field, and superior partnership and teamwork with Elmhurst Hospital.

For more information about emergency care at Elmhurst Hospital, visit www.EEHealth.org/services/emergency.