University News

OPS Officers Trent Robertson and Jason Lytle were honored for their lifesaving efforts. Pictured are, l-r, OPS Lt. Sam Moran, OPS Dir. Bob Fitzgerald, Robertson, Lytle, President Al Goldfarb and Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

OPS Officers Honored for Their Lifesaving Efforts

March 13, 2006

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – When Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS) Officers Jason Lytle and Trent Robertson began their shift at 7 a.m. March 2, it was just an ordinary day. That changed 10 minutes later.

They were beginning to sift through various reports and determine the day’s agenda when an emergency call came in from Tillman Hall. A man was unconscious and not breathing.

Thanks to the swift action of Lytle and Robertson, the man -- who was on campus working on a construction job – survived. According to OPS Lt. Sam Moran, upon their arrival at Tillman, Lytle and Robertson immediately began to administer CPR, followed by the use of a portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The device enables trained responders to administer an electrical shock to stimulate a heart rhythm for a person who has suffered cardiac arrest. Lytle and Robertson continued to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the individual until the McDonough District Hospital paramedics and Macomb Fire Department rescue personnel arrived at the scene. According to the police report, the man was stabilized and later airlifted to another regional hospital.

“Because of Officer Lytle’s and Officer Robertson’s quick response, their use of appropriate equipment and their training, an individual was saved,” said OPS Director Bob Fitzgerald. “I am very proud of both of these fine officers.”

Lytle and Robertson recently received letters of commendation for their response to the situation

OPS officers receive CPR and first aid training annually, said Moran. In addition, officers are trained to use the AEDs, which are in each squad car and in 20 strategic locations around campus such as the University Union, Brophy and Western halls and the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center. The University locations comply with and exceed American Heart Association recommendations for AEDs.

“The professionalism these officers displayed and their ability to remain calm in a stressful situation is a credit to Western Illinois University and the Office of Public Safety,” added President Al Goldfarb.






Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing