Citizen CPR Makes the Difference; Paramedics Save Life
 
By Fire Chief Drew Smith
September 9, 2016
 

On 9/8/16 at about 11:18 hours bystanders witnessed a person go into cardiac arrest in the Rob Roy Country Club Village was transmitted. Bystanders began CPR and others called 9-1-1. When paramedics arrived the patient was still unconscious without a pulse and was not breathing. The circumstances of why this happened were not clear but paramedics quickly assessed the situation and began Advanced Life Support treatment which restored a pulse, blood pressure and allowed the patient to breathe on their own. Once in the ambulance and enroute to the hospital the patient regained consciousness and was able to communicate with paramedics. They key to this success was not only the quick response of the fire district paramedics but the willingness of trained lay persons to immediately start CPR. The Prospect Heights Fire District encourages residents to learn CPR. Courses are taught monthly at our fire station. For more information and to register for a course call 847-253-8060 and press “3” once the automated message begins.