Civilians, Paramedics, Park District Staff Honored for Saving a Life

The Lemont Park District Guest Services Committee and the Lemont Fire Protection District honored Park District staff, CORE members and the firefighter/paramedics for their successful life-saving efforts at the Lemont Park District CORE Fitness & Aquatic Complex earlier this month.

At approximately 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, a 71-year-old CORE member was found unconscious. Another CORE member Keith Gothard noticed and 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 (AED). Delelio began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 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 life saving 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,” said Lemont Park District Executive Director, Louise Egofske during an Oct. 20 board meeting. “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!,” she added.

“All the work spent on policies, procedures, training, etc., have just paid off. 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 whom needed immediate assistance but his entire family, friends, colleagues—the list goes on. Nice job everyone,” said Lemont Park District Board President, Brian Pepich.

Battalion Chief David Bettenhausen responded with Ambulance 914 (Lieutenant Jeff Czemske, Firefighter Mike Kingman, and Firefighter Rami Elsharief) and Engine Company 941 (Firefighter Jeff Bailey, Firefighter Pat Hines and Firefighter Mark Armor). 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 onsite 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 when he stated, “Because of the quick actions of Park District employees, CORE members and fire district emergency responders, this man’s life was ultimately saved.”