Public Safety Citizen Lifesaving Award RecognitionCopyrighted
October 21, 2024
City of Dubuque PRESENTATIONS # 3.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Public Safety Citizen Lifesaving Award Recognition
SUMMARY: City staff will present on the recently awarded Public Safety
Citizen Lifesaving Award.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo- Public Safety Life Saving Award September 2024
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THE C
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Amy Scheller, Fire Chief
Jessica George, 911 Dispatch Manager
Jeremy Jensen, Police Chief
SUBJECT: Public Safety Citizen Lifesaving Award
DATE: September 24, 2024
INTRODUCTION:
Dubuque
All -America City
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
This memo respectfully requests the opportunity to acknowledge a lifesaving event at
an upcoming city council meeting, recognizing a community member whose actions
saved a life.
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The fire chief, police chief, and public safety answering point (PSAP) manager have
established a Public Safety Citizen Lifesaving Award to honor community members who
go above and beyond in emergency situations, ultimately saving lives. We presented
the inaugural Public Safety Lifesaving Award in January of this year and now seek to
showcase a second event.
On September 5th, emergency crews were dispatched to Sam's Club in response to an
individual choking. After initial attempts to dislodge the obstruction failed, the person lost
consciousness. While crews were in route, dispatch reported that bystanders had
initiated CPR on the individual, who was not breathing and in cardiac arrest. When the
Dubuque Fire Department responders arrived, the patient had regained consciousness
and was able to communicate with the paramedics.
This incident highlights the critical importance of early bystander recognition and
intervention. Had these citizens not acted swiftly, the outcome could have been dire.
Their prompt actions provided vital support, allowing our emergency crews to arrive and
stabilize the patient. Thanks to this coordinated effort, the individual received necessary
medical care and was subsequently discharged from the hospital in good health.
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According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple a
cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival. In cases of choking, the application of first
aid can significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the value of community training
and preparedness.
This event not only showcases the potential within our community to make a life-saving
difference but also underscores the importance of training, situational awareness, and
the impact of citizen intervention during emergencies.
RECOMMENDATION:
Public safety managers recommend acknowledging this lifesaving event at an upcoming
council meeting to emphasize the importance of early intervention and the crucial role
our citizens play in emergencies. Recognizing these events reinforces our community's
commitment to safety and preparedness.
Thank you for considering this important recognition.
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