8 People Honored For Saving Life

From the Lake & McHenry County Scanner:

By Sam Borcia

Six firefighters and paramedics along with two dispatchers and a police officer were honored for all helping to save the life of a person who was unconscious and not breathing in Vernon Hills.

Countryside Fire Dispatch received a 911 call for a person not breathing on October 12 in Vernon Hills, according to officials.

Telecommunicators Skjoldager and Palo dispatched Countryside fire units and assisted the family with CPR instructions over the phone.

Officer Lemmer with the Vernon Hills Police Department was the first to arrive at the scene and took over CPR efforts.

Lifesaving efforts were soon turned over to Countryside Firefighter Speckan and Firemedics Elkins, Garza, McDowell, Cielek and Lt. Sherwood, who arrived a short time later.

“[They] put to use their training and were able to regain a pulse and breathing for the patient. We are proud to report the patient was transported to the hospital conscious and alert,” the Countryside Fire Protection District said.

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The victim was able to return home fully recovered later in the week. “This is a great example of how countless hours of training pays off and how the entire system works together to save a life,” fire officials said.

The Commendation Award Ceremony that was planned for November 19 had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Countryside Fire Chief Smith and Battalion Chief Ogurek presented the individual commendations to each member at different times.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.