A 19-year-old man is being recognized for performing CPR and saving the life of a 57-year-old man suffering cardiac arrest in Lake in the Hills last month.
The Huntley Fire Protection District responded on October 1 to a report of a 57-year-old man who was unresponsive in Lake in the Hills.
While rescue crews were responding, dispatchers told them that the man was in cardiac arrest.
Aaron Wasik, a 19-year-old man, rushed to the 57-year-old and began performing CPR and rescue breathing.
“Without hesitation, Aaron immediately recognized this event was life-threatening and called 911,” Huntley Fire Chief Scott Ravagnie said.
Wasik put his phone on speaker and administered life-saving measures until an ambulance, fire engine and battalion fire chief arrived.
Rescue crews took over chest compressions and began performing advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) care, defibrillating the man three times.
After several minutes, the man’s heart rhythm resumed and he began to breathe on his own.
Paramedics rushed him to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital for further treatment.
Doctors placed several stents in the man.
He is now at home with his family doing well.
Fire officials are recognizing Wasik and several other responders for their “exceptional actions.”
Lifesaving awards were presented to Wasik, Huntley FPD Director of EMS Jason Freund, Huntley FPD Lt. Eric Slusin, Huntley FPD Firefighter/Paramedics Brad DeRaedt, Josh Roddy, Nick Russell, Brandon Roderick, Intern Olivia Townsend and SEECOM Telecommunicator Matthew Krows.
“Aaron’s actions were truly lifesaving, and his actions were exemplary and commendable,” Ravagnie added.
Fire officials encourage people to learn CPR so they can save lives.
The Huntley Fire Protection District hosts Heart Saver CPR/AED classes every month.
More information is available on the fire protection district’s website.