First Responders Recognized For Saving Life Of Man Who Stopped Breathing

By Sam Borcia, Lake & McHenry County Scanner

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The firefighters, paramedics and a dispatcher who worked together to save the life of a man who was found unresponsive by his wife in Crystal Lake have been awarded for their actions.

The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded on the morning of June 6 to a call of an unconscious person.

SEECOM dispatcher James Vonesh reported to responding crews that the patient was not breathing, fire officials said.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived to confirm the man was unresponsive and not breathing in his bedroom. His wife had witnessed the incident.

The crews assessed the situation and moved the man to an open area for manual CPR and breathing assistance, fire officials said.

They applied a mechanical CPR device and a cardiac monitor.

Paramedics administered an electrical shock to restore a desirable cardiac rhythm.

Lifesaving medications were administered and the man’s airway was secured for quality breathing respirations.

“Thanks to the crews’ actions and expertise, the patient stabilized, achieving a self-sustaining heartbeat,” the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue District said in a statement.

The man was transported to the hospital for additional care and has successfully recovered.

The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department on Tuesday was joined by 78-year-old Rick Burman and his family to recognize the “remarkable outcome” of the incident, fire officials said.

Lt. Matthew Thuma and firefighter-paramedics James Gualdoni, Rich Kreher and Curt Walker, along with Vonesh, were each presented with a lifesaving award.

The awards were handed out by Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Kevin O’Hare and Burman during Tuesday’s Crystal Lake City Council meeting.

Burman spoke during the meeting and said he was thankful for the fire department saving his life. The man’s wife also spoke and explained her husband’s recovery.

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