Orland Township Bingo Hero

An Orland Park resident who recently took advantage of Orland Township’s free Senior CPR classes put his newly learned skills to the test, according to the office of Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady.

The Township’s Wednesday, May 16th bingo drop-in day began like any other. However, during lunch, a member got a piece of food lodged in her throat and began to choke. Bill Weir, a regular at the Township’s Wednesday and Friday bingo drop-in days, noticed her distress and without hesitation, sprang into action. Weir performed the Heimlich Maneuver, which he learned the previous week at a CPR, AED, and choking education class he attended at Orland Township, and dislodged the food from his fellow attendee’s throat.

“Instances such as what happened Wednesday are the very reason the Township has partnered with the Orland Fire Protection District to offer free CPR, AED and choking education classes to our seniors and other residents,” said Supervisor O’Grady. “I want to thank Bill for learning these life-saving skills and more importantly for jumping into action and using them when he saw a fellow bingo player in distress.”

The bingo participant that was given the Heimlich was checked by responding paramedics as a precaution and refused further treatment. She continued that day and played bingo but declined to be identified.

For more information on free CPR classes offered by the Township and the Orland Fire Protection District contact the Township at (708) 403-4222.

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Photo Caption

Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady (left) presents a Certificate of Recognition to Orland Park resident Bill Weir who, during a bingo drop-in at the Township, performed the Heimlich Maneuver on another attendee who was choking on a piece of food. Weir had taken a CPR, AED and choking education class at the Township the week before, which was taught by Bob Palermo (right) a retired Orland Park Firefighter and Paramedic who conducts training classes for the Orland Fire Protection District.