On February 6, 2018, Brian Van Acker (PMO), performed life-saving CPR to save a toddler’s life at his children’s swim practice. Thanks to an Argonne Fire Department training class, he was ready and able to deliver CPR with success.
While Van Acker was sitting in the bleachers watching practice, a woman with a 1.5-year-old child suddenly became frantic, yelling for help and that her child was choking.
Van Acker rushed over and took hold of the child.
“Acting purely on parental instinct, I read the child’s face, turned her onto her stomach on my forearm and performed the Pediatric Heimlich maneuver,” said Van Acker.
The hard candy obstructing the little girl’s airway became dislodged and she was able to spit it out.
Soon afterward, Van Acker contacted Fire Lieutenant Jared Nugent, who had instructed his CPR class.
“I wanted to share credit with Jared and the Argonne Fire Department instructors who taught me the proper technique and instilled in me the confidence to take action,” said Van Acker.“As I continue to receive text messages about that day, please know that I share the praise with the Argonne Fire Department. Thank you!”
For Van Acker’s quick and selfless actions, Argonne Fire Chief George Hyland and members of the Argonne Fire Department presented him with the Argonne Fire Department’s Lifesaver Award on March 7,
“Thanks to Mr. Van Acker’s quick response, a devastating outcome was avoided, proving once again that Argonne employees deliver impacts not only at the lab but also in the community,” said Jared Nugent.
Take a Free CPR Course at Argonne
Taking advantage of Argonne’s free CPR courses may help you be prepared during someone’s time of need. Someday, it may be your actions that save a life, perhaps even that of a loved one.
Sign up for one of the Argonne Fire Department’s free CPR classes today:
- ESH 109: CPR AED (automated external defibrillators)
- ESH 109FA: Adult First Aid CPR AED
- ESH 109PFA: Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
- CPR classes for family and friends
- This course is open to family and friends of Argonne and DOE employees, laboratory contractors, students and users. Children must be at least five years old to participate. Argonne and DOE sponsors are responsible for obtaining gate passes for their guests.
Information on how to sign up is available on Inside Argonne.
By Andrea Manning (BIS)