Lives Saved Within Hours In Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs first responders saved two lives within eight hours of each other last month, prompting the village's fire department to honor the employees involved.

On Oct. 10, a man crashed into a garage, causing major damage to the structure and several cars, according to a fire department news release. The man was conscious and alert, but soon became unresponsive and then stopped breathing, the agency said.

Western Springs firefighters and paramedics used medications and advanced airway and cardiac techniques to stabilize the man. They then moved the man through the debris of the collapsed garage to an ambulance to take him to the hospital, authorities said. After a few days, he was released from the hospital.

Eight hours later, in the early morning hours of Oct. 11, Western Springs firefighters and paramedics responded to a call about an unresponsive man inside a car. The crew quickly confirmed he was in full cardiac arrest. Advanced lifesaving care was provided, including cardiac defibrillation, medications and advanced airway management techniques, the fire department said.

The patient was alert and talking on the way to the hospital, the release said. He was discharged after a full recovery.

Receiving awards were Capt. Kevin Gay, Lt. Rich Griffith and first responders Andrew Lesch, Zach Schneeberger, Jason Grant, Matt Villicana, Jack Hammond and Jordan Isenberg.

"Both of these incidents, within hours of each hour, were extremely challenging given the critical nature of the patients and where they were located," Fire Chief Mike Kelly said in the release.