MAR 10 2009 — Five Algonquin–Lake in the Hills Firefighters were warming up on stair stepper machines for a fitness program at LIFETIME FITNESS in Algonquin, Illinois when a male club member collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest while using an elliptical machine a few rows behind them. The firefighters, along with off-duty firefighter Chris Riley of the Skokie Fire Department, immediately began medical care. The five members from Algonquin included Battalion Chief John Greene, Captain John Knebl and firefighters Craig Allen, Dan Pressler and Scott Olsen.
LIFETIME FITNESS Personal Trainers Jemal Crisp and Don Stumpf grabbed the onsite Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and directed responding shift paramedics to the patient. Prior to the arrival of the Algonquin–Lake in the Hills ambulance, the off-duty firefighters used the AED to shock the patient. After two shocks the firefighters were able to feel a pulse and observe the patient respiration.
Proper CPR, AED availability, timely calling of 9-1-1 and a quick response by fire department paramedics are credited with saving the life of the LIFETIME FITNESS club member.