Murphysboro firefighters honored for saving man’s life during cardiac arrest

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (KBSI) — Three Murphysboro firefighters have been recognized for their lifesaving efforts after responding to a man in cardiac arrest earlier this year.

Capt. Adam Tarrants and firefighters Joe Elbrecht and Garrett James received the Murphysboro Fire Department’s Lifesaving Commendation during a City Council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 27.

According to the department, the firefighters responded to a report of an unresponsive man receiving CPR from a family member on Aug. 2.

The crew left the fire station within 46 seconds of receiving the call and arrived at the scene less than two and a half minutes later.

When firefighters arrived, they found the man in cardiac arrest while his wife performed CPR.

The firefighters immediately began CPR, established an airway to provide oxygen and administered multiple shocks using an automated external defibrillator.

By the time Jackson County Ambulance Service personnel arrived, the man had a detectable pulse and was breathing with assistance.

Paramedics provided additional care and transported him to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for treatment.

The fire department said the man has since recovered and returned home.

He and his wife attended Tuesday’s City Council meeting to personally thank the firefighters who helped save his life.

The department presented the three firefighters with the Lifesaving Commendation in recognition of their quick response and emergency medical care.