Hinsdale Paramedics to Be Honored for July 4 Heart Attack Rescue

The following is a release from the :

Five Hinsdale Fire Department paramedics have been selected as the second runner-up for the prestigious 2012 Dr. Joseph Hartmann Award of Excellence. This award is given annually by the Good Samaritan EMS System to the EMS crew or department exhibiting excellence in the delivery of medical care in the pre-hospital setting. This is the paramedics from the Hinsdale Fire Department have received this award for their life-saving efforts.

On July 4, 2011, firefighters and paramedics Don Newberry, Andy Smith, Tom McCarthy, Doug Niemeyer and Michael Karban responded to while marching in the ’s Fourth of July parade. Fortunately, this occurred in front of the parade float, which included hospital staff. CPR was started immediately and Hinsdale Police Officer Tim Lenox used an automated external defibrillator (AED). The Hinsdale paramedics arrived and performed advanced life support care, including aggressive airway management, IV access, cardiac monitoring, medication administration, and post resuscitation cooling. This event was a great example of the chain of survival.

The award will be presented during National EMS Week, May 24, 2012 at 5 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Hospital Oak rooms located at 3815 Highland Ave. in Downers Grove. There are 21 pre-hospital providers in the Good Samaritan EMS System that respond to over 35,000 emergencies a year.

For more information about the award, please visit our website at www.villageofhinsdale.org or call the Hinsdale Fire Department at (630)789-7060.