Three Lake County sheriff’s deputies are being hailed for saving the life of an elderly Lake Villa woman who had been in need of medical assistance and was found lying on her home’s floor for almost 24 hours.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the sheriff’s office provides a program called R.U.O.K. (Are You Okay).
The program is for Lake County residents that live alone and benefit from being checked on every day or two.
A member of the sheriff’s office routinely calls the R.U.O.K. client to check their well-being.
The program is designed to assist those who do not have family or friends that are regularly able to check in on them.
Deputy Katie Gordon was conducting the R.U.O.K. telephone calls Friday, Covelli said.
She was unable to reach a 77-year-old woman, who resides in unincorporated Lake Villa.
The woman sounded tired when she was contacted the prior day, Covelli said.
Gordon contacted the Patrol Division and requested deputies conduct a check for well-being.
Sheriff’s deputies Trish List and Jessica Fill arrived at the residence but did not receive an answer at the door.
The deputies were able to locate a key for the residence and entered.
They found the woman on the floor, confused and unable to move.
List and Fill called for an ambulance and the woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Covelli said it is likely the woman was on the floor for 18-24 hours. The woman is expected to recover.
The R.U.O.K. program was previously reactive in nature, not proactive, Covelli said, adding that Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg changed that four years ago.
Members of the sheriff’s office now proactively call the R.U.O.K. resident instead of the resident calling and leaving a message for the sheriff’s office.
“The collaboration between Deputies Gordon, List, and Fill undoubtedly saved a life. This is not the first time the R.U.O.K. program saved a life and I am very proud of everyone who has a role in the program,” Idleburg said.
Those interested in learning more about the program can visit the sheriff’s office’s website.