OFPD presents life saving awards to three citizens

by Orland Park Prairie Staff

July 16, 2009

The Orland Fire Protection District, at its regular Board of Trustees meeting held June 24, presented life-saving awards to three citizens for life saving efforts performed on a 61-year-old male in full cardiac arrest at the Palos Health and Fitness Club on May 27. As a result of the quick action taken by other members in the health club who witnessed the man’s collapse, 911 was called and an automatic external defibrillator was quickly put into use, along with CPR, successfully resuscitating the man just prior to the arrival of the OFPD’s paramedics.

Also present at the meeting was Lynne Donegan, a District 135 School Board Member, and an advocacy volunteer for the American Heart Association, who is employed at the Attorney General’s office. Donegan spearheaded a bill in Springfield about five years ago, called the “Colleen O’Sullivan Law” that requires every public facility to have an AED, a person on the premises certified in CPR, and an emergency procedure plan filed with the State. Donegan expressed her praise and gratitude to Michelle Adams, Dave Zdunek, and Ben Plotner for coming to the aid of the man who was in severe distress that day, and who were truly responsible for saving his life.

“For every defibrillator you see, there is a face and a story, and a reminder of what is good and right in the state of Illinois,” Donegan said.

OFPD Chief Bryant Krizik stated that “the Chief William Bonnar, Sr. Citizen Life Saving Award was created in honor of the late battalion chief who died in the line of duty, and who was a huge advocate of CPR, defibrillators and early intervention.”

Battalion Chief Randy Reeder presented the life saving awards to the recipients. A full recovery was made by the man whose life was saved, and he expressed his gratitude to the people who saved his life that day.

“The life saving efforts of good samaritan citizens should not be overlooked by the District, and the installation of AED’s in all public places is a requisite that is necessary and life saving in many instances,” said Patrick Maher, board of trustees president.

He went on to say that the OFPD conducts CPR classes throughout the year, and encourages citizens to learn this life-saving procedure. CPR classes for healthcare providers are conducted monthly for a small fee, and the “Friends and Family” non-certified CPR classes are free and held bi-monthly.

For more information, call (708) 349-0074.