A 19-year-old man is credited with performing CPR and saving the life of a 57-year-old man who suffered a cardiac arrest in Lake in the Hills last month.

The Huntley Fire Protection District responded Oct. 1 to a report of an unresponsive 57-year-old man in Lake in the Hills.

As rescue teams responded, dispatchers told them the man was in cardiac arrest.

Aaron Wasik, a 19-year-old man, rushed to the 57-year-old man and began performing CPR and artificial respiration.

“Without hesitation, Aaron immediately recognized that this event was life-threatening and called 911,” Huntley Fire Chief Scott Ravagnie said.

Wasik put his phone on speaker and administered life-saving measures until an ambulance, a fire truck and the battalion fire chief arrived.

Rescue teams took over chest compressions and began providing advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), defibrillating the man three times.

After several minutes, the man’s heartbeat resumed and he began breathing on his own.

Paramedics rushed him to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital for further treatment.

Doctors placed several stents in the man.

He is now home with his family who is doing well.

The firefighters recognize Wasik and several other responders for their “exceptional actions”.

Lifesaving awards were presented to Wasik, Huntley FPD Emergency Medical Services Director Jason Freund, Huntley FPD Lt. Eric Slusin, Huntley FPD Firefighter/Paramedic Brad DeRaedt, Josh Roddy, Nick Russell , Brandon Roderick, intern Olivia Townsend and SEECOM communicator Matthew Krows.

“Aaron’s actions truly saved lives, and his actions were exemplary and commendable,” Ravagnie added.

Firefighters are encouraging people to learn CPR so they can save lives.

The Huntley Fire Protection District conducts Heart Saver CPR/AED classes monthly.

More information is available on the fire protection district website.