Silver Cross EMS-Trained Medics Save New Lenox Man from a ‘Widow Maker’
National EMS Week is May 21-27
Donald Stelmaszek (center) of New Lenox thanks the Frankfort paramedics who saved his life after going into full cardiac arrest on January 30 during his physical therapy session. Pictured with Stelmaszek (from left) are Michael Illarde, Jimmey Votteler, EMS Medical Director Dr. Dave Mikolajczak, Alphonso Jackson, Katie Stelmaszek and Jason Vaccaro. For a few weeks earlier this year, Don Stelmaszek of New Lenox had this weird feeling under his sternum. Thinking it was acid reflux, he brushed it off and continued physical therapy for a sciatic nerve problem.
“I’d had a heart scan like 20 years ago, and it didn’t show anything. I’m thinking, ‘Nah, it’s not a heart attack.’”
Yeah, it was. A bad one. And he’s thankful for the quick emergency help he received from Frankfort Fire Department medics trained through the Silver Cross EMS System , based out of and run by Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox.
The Silver Cross EMS System is a network of more than 2,000 specially trained personnel within 34 fire departments, ambulance services, industrial responder agencies and dispatch centers, and four associate hospitals, all committed to the coordination of quality pre-hospital patient care.
As Stelmaszek sat in the chair Jan. 30, he suggested calling his wife, Katie, for a ride, soon changing that to calling for an ambulance. And then, it was nearly curtains.
“It was like this shade was coming down, turning everything black as it did. The next thing I remember, I woke up in the cardiac catheterization lab at Silver Cross.
“The paramedics told me later they had to start my heart again. They said I kept saying, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’ But I don’t remember.
“Later, I woke up in ICU. They told me I had a heart attack. A ‘widow maker,’ a 100 percent blockage of the main artery to my heart. Not too many people survive that.
“My dad had high cholesterol and wound up with a triple bypass. I had only a stent. But I wouldn’t have gotten that far if it weren’t for the Frankfort paramedics.”
Ironically, his wife had the same thought about calling an ambulance for her husband. Then, she headed over to Silver Cross. On the way, she heard Don had a heart attack and was going to surgery.
“When I got there, everyone was so nice and professional,” she said. “The people in the cardiac cath lab explained the situation in everyday language. I really appreciated that.”
Stelmaszek, 59, now is in cardiac rehabilitation . He’s able to drive, but not back to his heavy equipment tech job yet.
He was well enough to attend a Silver Cross EMS system meeting, where, as a surprise guest, he got to thank the paramedics who saved his life: Alphonso Jackson, Jimmey Votteler, Jason Vaccaro and Michael Illarde.
“They got medals for rescuing me, and I got to give them to the guys. They saved my life. I feel blessed every day and thankful for them.”
During National EMS Week May 21-27, Silver Cross salutes the Silver Cross Emergency Medical Services System of personnel who provide life-saving pre-hospital patient care to the communities it serves.
