Girl, 13, Does CPR, Saves Father's Life With Help Of 911 Operator

MOKENA, IL — A 13-year-old Mokena resident and a Laraway Communications Center telecommunicator were both honored Monday for their work in saving the life of the girl's father.

Abby Johnson and Telecommunicator Charity Wlodarski were presented with lifesaving awards by Police Chief Steve Vaccaro at the village board meeting.

Wlodarski took a call Nov. 3 from Abby, who said her father, William Johnson, was not breathing, board documents state.

"His daughter Abby had the wherewithal to call 911," Vaccaro said.

Wlodarski was able to calm Abby down and tell her to start CPR. Because Abby did not know CPR, Wlodarski was able to instruct Abby, keeping her calm and providing instructions for CPR chest compressions.

"Charity walked her through — very calmly, very collectively, very methodically — six rounds of CPR," Vaccaro said.

Abby followed the directions and performed CPR until Mokena Fire Protection District paramedics arrived, board documents state.

William Johnson was taken to Silver Cross Hospital and placed into a drug-induced coma so potential damage could be evaluated. He has since made a full recovery, according to board documents.

"Silver Cross reached out to Abby and told her that if it weren't for her CPR — her life-saving efforts — Mr. Johnson wouldn't be standing in front of you today," Vaccaro said. "She's to be commended."

Vaccaro said the training of the telecommunicators and the efforts of Wlodarski also helped to save Johnson's life.

"Abby, to have at your age, when somebody's telling you on the phone, to be that cool and that calm, to do what you did, is pretty impressive," Mayor Frank Fleischer said. "You ladies are something special."