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IDPH Names Bill Stajura 2015 EMS Hero

News – Monday, May 18, 2015

Chicago -- Every year, in observance of EMS Week (May 17-May 23), firefighters, police officers, paramedics and others throughout the state send their nominations to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the annual EMS Hero Award.  The nominations received are just a few of the many heroic acts people dedicated to saving lives do on a regular basis.   
 
The 2015 honoree exemplifies how heroism is not limited to EMS personnel. On Monday March 9, 2015 during lunch, 2015 EMS Week Hero, Bill Stajura was alerted by a co-worker that she was choking by hitting him on the neck. At first Mr. Stajura did not immediately realize what was occurring so she hit him on the neck again and motioned with her arms. Mr. Stajura quickly realized she was choking and performed the Heimlich Maneuver to dislodge the meat and she was able to breathe again.  The immediate and courageous actions of Mr. Stajura have been attributed to saving this woman’s life.
 
“Heroic actions performed daily by EMS personnel underscore the national theme of EMS Week – EMS Strong,” said Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., Director, IDPH.  “EMS personnel and laypersons who act swiftly and selflessly in offering assistance and compassion to a person faced with a life-threatening situation is what makes our community exceptional.”
 
In Illinois, there are 65 EMS resource hospitals, 67 trauma centers, 16,051 first responders, 37,402 emergency medical technicians, 4,665 emergency communications registered nurses, 2,842 trauma nurse specialists, 368 pre-hospital registered nurses and 2,847 emergency medical dispatchers providing 24-hour service to the people of Illinois.  Approximately two-thirds of all EMS providers are volunteers.
 
Illinois’ EMS system also strives to integrate pediatric emergency care needs across a wide spectrum; recognizing that children have unique physiological responses to illness and injury. 
 
To honor those who work in adult and pediatric emergency care, Governor Bruce Rauner has proclaimed May 17-23, 2015 as EMS week and May 20, 2015 as Emergency Medical Services for Children Day in Illinois.

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