Response To Theater Medical Emergency 'Restored My Faith In Humanity': Mokena Couple

FRANKFORT, IL — A night at the movies has restored faith in humanity for a Mokena couple, after Richard Hicks had a medical emergency at Emagine Theatres in Frankfort.

Richard and his wife, Gina, were at a showing of "A Complete Unknown," on Jan. 14 at the Frankfort movie theater. About an hour into the showing, Gina noticed Rich was shifting in his seat and noticed he seemed uncomfortable.

After asking if he was alright, the couple decided to head out of the movie early, and Gina got up out of her seat and went to exit the theater. Rich followed and was rounding the corner to exit the theater, when he collapsed.

Gian said she immediately went to her husband, and tried to rouse him, but he was staring and seemed unresponsive.

"I started screaming his name, and yelling for help, asking for a doctor or nurse," Gina said. Immediately, the Mokena couple was surrounded by people willing and wanting to help.

A nurse in the theater started checking Rich's vitals; someone called 911; someone else got a cold wash rag for Rich; someone else got water for both Rich and Gina.

"Not only did Rich have people surrounding him, but I had people trying to calm me down, telling me he would be OK," Gina said.

Rich came to pretty quickly, and he said he remembers fading out, and when he came to, he was surrounded by people.

"It was just amazing," Gina said.

Gina said Rich had just found a new primary care doctor, and all of his stress tests and preventive health measures came out perfect. So, the couple is a little stumped and keeping in touch with doctors to figure out what may have happened.

"He's much better," Gina said on Tuesday, a week after the incident.

Gina said that not only were bystanders helpful, but she was astounded by the courtesy shown by the management at Emagine Theatre, and by the Frankfort Police and Frankfort Fire Protection District medics.

"I wrote a letter to corporate [for Emagine]," Gina said. "And, when we were still in the emergency room, one of the paramedics stopped back in to see Rich and ask how he was doing."

The couple said they were so thankful that so many people were willing to help.

"You hear a lot that people may not want to get involved," Gina said. "But everyone around us was amazing."

Gina said the couple really wanted to thank the people who helped them.

"I want them to know that they're appreciated," Gina said. "It really restored my faith in humanity."