Lake Zurich Firefighters Play Key Role in Saving Buffalo Grove Man’s Life

The emergency call came in the midst of the holiday season, and the Lake Zurich Fire Department responded and ultimately played a major part in saving a man’s life.

At 5:16 p.m., on Nov. 29, emergency dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call regarding a man, who had collapsed at the Apple Store in Deer Park.

Kildeer police officers Rob David and Justin Rundell were the first on the scene and began performing CPR on John Martin of Buffalo Grove, according to Deputy Chief Dave Wheelock of the Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department.

Minutes later, firefighter/paramedics Greg Fuchs, Brian Lucas and Lieutenant Rick Johnson arrived with an ambulance from Lake Zurich Fire Station #4.

“For all intents and purposes, Mr. Martin was dead when our guys arrived; he was unconscious with no pulse and he was not breathing,” said Wheelock.

The firefighter/paramedics proceeded to take over CPR from the Kildeer police, and worked to bring Martin back to life.

“The first arriving ambulance confirmed Mr. Martin was in cardiac arrest; they continued CPR which included the use of a defibrillator and other life saving techniques,” said Captain Don Golubski.

Shortly thereafter, the fire engine from station #1 arrived carrying (formerly lieutenant) Golubski, and firefighter/paramedics Jeff Ritchie and Brian Blaauw. Captain John Kelly arrived alongside of them.

“It was a serious and grave situation,” said Golubski. “When I and the others got to the scene, we all worked as a team; after 20 minutes of continuing to work to save this man’s life, we finally got a return of spontaneous circulations."

“We followed the protocols and guidelines; we keep working by monitoring the patient and establishing an airway until there is a change, and after the 20 minutes, there was a pulse and blood pressure,” said Kelly.

From there, Martin was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital and within minutes of arriving, he was in surgery in the cardiac unit.

“Mr. Martin received early CPR from the Kildeer Police and both CPR and defibrillation from Lake Zurich firefighters; he is back at work now and living his life normally,” said Kathi Knop, EMS manager at Good Shepherd Hospital.

Knop went on to say that Martin spent just a few days in the cardiac intensive unit before he was able to go home.  

“The goal for a save is to send the patient home; by doing good CPR and compressions, both the police and firefighters kept good flow and saved Mr. Martin’s vital organs while averting any brain damage,” said Knop.

“That was the most important thing; the continuation of CPR.  It absolutely makes the difference,” said Kelly.  

“If not for all of the emergency personnel who tended to Mr. Martin, he would not have made it,” said Knop.

Wheelock said the positive result occurred due to continued training received by emergency personnel along with everyone working as a team.  

“As a department, we are proud of all of our firefighters for the training they go through day in and day out,” said Wheelock.  

“The success of this situation is tied to everyone from nurses who provide continuing education to our personnel who apply it, to the doctors at Good Shepherd, to our dispatchers who took the initial call,” Wheelock said.

Those who were on the scene that day in late November have had time to reflect on the seriousness of the situation and it’s gratifying outcome.

“There are always emotions, you always have the compassion, you always want that successful outcome,” said Kelly.  

Kelly said such emergency situations affect so many; from the people sitting there watching the scene unfold to the immediate and extended family of the patient.

“We ask ourselves, is he going to be around for grandkids, and his daughter’s wedding?” Kelly said.   

“It really is amazing that Mr. Martin now has the chance to experience all the things he may have missed,” said Kelly.

Kelly said a valuable lesson can be learned from the entire situation.  

“I hope people understand that learning CPR and doing it right increases a person’s chance for survival greatly,” said Kelly.

“I suggest everyone learn it, so you don’t have that helpless feeling if something similar were to happen,” Kelly said.  

“The experience is so gratifying, I can’t even put it into words,” said Golubski.

“It truly was a team effort; this situation had a very positive outcome, and we strive for that, that’s what it’s all about,” said Wheelock.

Both the Lake Zurich firefighters and Kildeer police were honored by Good Shepherd Hospital with the Cardiac Award on Friday, Feb. 18, for saving Martin’s life.

Knop said the award is given just once or twice a year.