Lake County Gazette

The Lake Forest City Council recently commended the success of its fire department, which over the past six months had a save rate with CPR at 55%, or 10 times higher than the national average.

Those involved were given Clinical Saves Awards and honored for their efforts in protecting the community. Two of the three patients were in the audience and were able to thank the responders who saved their lives. Battalion Chief Andrew Rick said having them there was the most important aspect of being commended.

“A really cool opportunity tonight that two of those people, two of the three that we actually had a save for have shown up tonight, an opportunity to shake some hands with some of the people that were involved,” Rick said. “I think that to me is more meaningful than the award that's involved, is the opportunity to say hello to that person, shake a hand and talk a little about who they are and get to know them a little bit more." 

Rick spoke about the three major cardiac arrest saves that the team went through over the six-month period. He said all the calls were with a patient who was in full cardiac arrest and considered dead, but were saved and returned home to their families. 

The first instance was on the afternoon of Aug. 15, 2022, when six firefighter-paramedics responded to a call for a 69-year-old man with no heartbeat. Upon arrival, they took over from citizens who started administering CPR and used a community AED for defibrillation. The paramedics regained a heartbeat before transporting the man to the hospital where he was breathing on his own.

“Each person had a defined role and works together as a team to provide the best chance for recovery,” Rick said. “They immediately performed high-quality, uninterrupted chest compressions which are a key component to resuscitation success. They instituted airway management and administered life-saving medication.”

The second was on Oct. 15, 2022, when a 39-year-old father collapsed in his driveway with cardiac arrest. His son called 911 and dispatchers coached the son through the CPR process. Police arrived on the scene shortly before the fire department and took over, saving his life. The man was brought to the hospital and discharged after successful defibrillation.

The third event was on Nov. 29, 2022, involving a 60-year-old woman who fell in her driveway. Neighbors started CPR as they were responding, and then fire paramedics took over upon arrival. Paramedics were able to regain a heartbeat after 15 minutes.

According to information presented at the meeting by Rick, the national save rate for CPR is 5%. Rick credited the success rate to quick responses by bystanders, the work of 911 dispatchers helping coach citizens through CPR and efficient response by the Lake Forest Police Department. The equipment used by the fire personnel has also been a factor.