Forest Park resident Keztly Angel was one of 12 “local heroes” honored recently by the Red Cross at its annual Heroes Breakfast held at the Hilton Chicago Hotel on May 6.
When the doctors at Loyola Hospital save lives, it doesn’t make the news. That’s what they are trained to do. That’s their job.
But when the cashier at the hospital cafeteria responds to a person in crisis in ways that possibly save the person’s life, that’s a big deal. A real big deal.
The person in crisis was Joan Dimopoulos, an emergency room doctor. While having lunch, a break from the stress of the ER, some food got caught in her trachea making it impossible for her to breathe.
Angel, a 2022 Proviso East graduate, was the first “first responder” on the scene and, fortunately for Dimopoulos, had received training by the Red Cross while she was in high school in a technique called the Heimlich Maneuver.
Her training enabled her to do two things: correctly diagnose what was going on and quickly respond in a way that dislodged the obstruction and allowed Angel’s “patient” to breathe again.
“At first, I was a little confused at what was going on because she had spat out water,” recalled Angel, who has been working at Loyola as a dietary assistant for more than a year. “But once I realized she was actually choking, I reacted with no thought.”
What is tracheal obstruction like?
Here his now AI describes it: “Tracheal obstruction feels like severe shortness of breath, a choking sensation, or a feeling that you are breathing through a narrow tube or underwater. Symptoms often include panic, noisy breathing (stridor or wheezing), intense coughing, and a tightness in the throat or chest, sometimes described as an invisible hand closing the airway.”
“Each year, the Heroes Breakfast reminds us that courage lives in our communities,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois. “The individuals we honor represent what it means to be courageous, stepping forward to serve others, save lives, and bring hope during someone’s darkest moments. It is an honor to share their inspiring stories and celebrate the extraordinary impact they make.”
“The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies through the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors,” said Anabel Monge, the organization’s development communications manager.
“We shelter, feed and provide comfort after disasters; supply about 40% of the nation’s blood; teach skills that save lives; provide international humanitarian aid; and support military members, veterans and their families.”
Angel learned how to administer the Heimlich Maneuver in a class at Proviso East, but Monge said CPR classes are also offered by the Red Cross.
“More than anything, I am just incredibly grateful that I was in the right place at the right time to help ensure a positive outcome,” she said. My parents have expressed how proud they are that I was prepared and present when it mattered most.”
There are many different ways to take CPR classes:
In-person classes combine lecture with hands-on skills sessions. They’re a good choice for those who learn best in traditional classroom settings.
“Blended learning is a mix of online learning and in-person instruction. Online CPR classes are a convenient option for those who want to learn on their own schedule and at a location of their choosing. However, since they are taken entirely online, these courses do not allow you to demonstrate skill proficiency to a certified instructor and therefore do not meet requirements for OSHA certification.”
Interested? Contact Monge at anabel.monge@redcross.org.