Authorities say sheriff’s deputies and 911 dispatchers worked together to save the life of a man who attempted self-harm and was found barely breathing at his Gurnee area home.
Lake County Sheriff’s 911 emergency telecommunicators received a 911 call around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday from the wife of a man attempting self-harm.
The man was in mental distress and threatened he was going to hang himself, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli.
The man went to a detached garage at the residence in unincorporated Gurnee and locked the door after making the threat. The man’s wife then called 911.
Sheriff’s telecommunicators obtained critical information from the caller and immediately relayed the information to responding deputies, Covelli said.
Within minutes of receiving the dispatch, the first deputy arrived at the scene.
Covelli said the deputy found the side door to the garage locked so she forced entry to the door, went inside and found the man hanging in the garage.
The deputy grabbed the man by his feet and legs, lifting him upwards to relieve pressure on his neck.
A second deputy arrived and was able to cut the man down, Covelli said.
The victim had a weak pulse and agonal breathing.
Paramedics, who were standing by, made entry and began care.
Covelli said the man was transported to an area hospital where he was breathing and had a pulse.
“This is the type of heroic and life-saving work I have been accustomed to seeing nearly every day from our staff at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“This is yet another example of our sheriff’s dispatchers and deputies working together to save the life of someone in their worst moment. We are all hopeful this man makes a full recovery,” Idleburg said.
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that they are never alone,” Covelli said.
Anyone needing services or someone to talk to can call or text 988, 24/7, or the Lake County Crisis Care Line at 847-377-8088, which is also 24/7.