Custody Officer Saves Residents Life In Lake County
Lake County Community Corrections Custody Officer Alan Andrews was honored by the Lake County Council Tuesday for the life-saving measures he took in November to aid an unconscious male resident living at the facility.
Andrews was assigned to Post 4 at the Lake County Community Corrections Center November 20th when a resident there advised him of a 24-year-old fellow resident “down” in a bathroom.
The officer rushed into the bathroom where he found the resident lying by the faucets with a blue face and no signs of life. Andrews immediately requested available officers to report and began performing CPR. Community Corrections staff arrived with an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) which was used on the patient. After several minutes, the individual began to show signs of life by opening his eyes and breathing rapidly.
Andrews was commended for his efforts which resulted in the revival of the individual, who was then transported by Crown Point Fire Rescue to the hospital.
“Thank you everybody for the recognition,” Andrews said. He said at first he was not sure the resident would be able to pull through. “I’m thankful for the resident who was able to make it,” Andrews said.
Council President Christine Cid, D-5th, thanked Andrews for his life-saving efforts.
“(He made it) thanks to you,” Cid said.
“I would like to commend Custody Officer Alan Andrews and the LCCC staff for their quick response, professionalism and heroic actions for saving the life of a resident at the Lake County Community Corrections Center, Herbie Cruz, president of Cardiotech LLC said. Cruz said the county has 64 AEDs placed throughout its properties. Training is required for some public safety employees and offered to any employee interested.
Cardiotech is contracted with Lake County to provide monthly CPR training for interested Lake County employees. Public safety employees all receive CPR training. Andrews received his CPR training from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department.
“We applaud Officer Andrews swift and decisive actions, which resulting in saving a man’s life during a medical emergency,” Kellie Bittorf, executive director of LCCC said.
