Firefighter/EMTs Earn #TeamCity Award for Off-Duty CPR Save

Madison Fire

Lieutenant Sue Juedes and Firefighter/EMT Chelsea Utzerath-Juedes received the "Public Health & Safety Award" at the #TeamCity Awards hosted by Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway last week. The duo was recognized for their off-duty efforts to help a runner in cardiac arrest.

On March 22, Sue and Chelsea were returning home from a family event when they noticed a crowd gathered around a man who collapsed on the corner John Nolen Drive and Lakeside Street. The off-duty firefighter/EMTs pulled over and swung into action.

With 911 already called and on-duty MFD units on the way, Chelsea began chest compressions and Sue helped manage the scene-- actions that came naturally to these career fire/EMS professionals. Engine 1, Ladder 1, and Medic 5 arrived within four minutes to take over patient care.

"It takes a special someone to say, 'Something's going on, we better stop,'" said Mayor Rhodes-Conway in an awards presentation held at the Madison Parks office in Olin Park, just two blocks from where the incident happened. "Thanks to their courageous efforts, the patient recovered, and in fact he's out running again."

While accepting the Public Health & Safety #TeamCity Award, Sue Juedes acknowledged all the other Madison Fire personnel in the room.

"I strongly feel that what we did was what any of our co-workers would have done. It's instinctive to what we do," said Juedes.

When on duty, Lieutenant Sue Juedes serves at Fire Station 11 on Morgan Way. Firefighter/EMT Chelsea Utzerath-Juedes serves the north side from Fire Station 10 on Troy Drive.

Anyone can help save a life with hands-only CPR!

The Madison Fire Department hosts free hands-only CPR classes each month so more people feel confident stepping in like Sue and Chelsea did.

Click on the links below to sign up for one of our classes!

• Thursday, September 28, 8:30-10:00 a.m. - Fire Station 13 (6350 Town Center Drive)
• Thursday, September 28, 10:15-11:45 a.m. - Fire Station 13 (6350 Town Center Drive)
• Tuesday, October 31, 8:30-10:00 a.m. - Fire Station 1 (316 W. Dayton Street)
• Tuesday, October 31, 10:15-11:45 a.m. - Fire Station 1 (316 W. Dayton Street)
• Wednesday, November 29, 8:30-10:00 a.m. - Fire Station 12 (400 South Point Road)
• Wednesday, November 29, 10:15-11:45 a.m. - Fire Station 12 (400 South Point Road)

During this class, we'll teach you the basics and benefits of hands-only CPR. You'll also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Each class is 90 minutes long and is available to anyone age 12 years or older (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
 

Be notified when someone near you needs CPR

The PulsePoint app will alert you when someone nearby is in sudden cardiac arrest. You will only be alerted if the patient is in a public place that is believed to be safe. When you download the app, make sure CPR Notifications are turned ON.