Moraine Valley Community College police officer Peter Panagiotaros, of Lombard, earned the college’s Life Saving Award for aiding a community member at the Health, Fitness & Recreation Center (FitRec) on campus.
In May, the college Police Department received a call about a FitRec member having trouble breathing. Panagiotaros was dispatched and encountered Gene Jasmer, of Palos Hills, sitting on the track, surrounded by FitRec staff. He was training for an athletic event when he suddenly could not see. Being a veteran officer, Panagiotaros examined Jasmer for signs of a stroke, but he passed each test. However, Panagiotaros discovered Jasmer could not see out of his left eye, was hyperventilating and had trouble speaking.
Panagiotaros is trained to recognize a stroke and persuaded Jasmer to go to the hospital instead of home, which he eventually did. While the paramedics were on the way, Panagiotaros talked to Jasmer to keep him calm and ease his panic attack.
“He said he had no medical problems and that he only had a hard workout. He wanted to go home, but I told him no. I knew it was a stroke because of my past training and experience. He finally agreed to go with the medics to the hospital,” Panagiotaros explained. “The doctor said if he didn’t get the tPA [tissue plasminogen activator] drug for clot busting, [the result] could’ve been worse or death. He only had a couple of hours to get the tPA shot.”
Following his recovery, Jasmer wrote a letter of appreciation to the Moraine Valley Police Department and Panagiotaros, which Chief Patrick Treacy deemed worthy of the college’s Life Saving Award.
“Our officers regularly respond to medical calls that range from basic first aid to potential life-threatening situations. In more serious cases, the community member is transported to the hospital, but we typically never receive an update on their status. In this case, the patient took the time to send me a very complimentary letter about Pete’s efforts. He also informed me that the emergency doctor stated that without Pete’s quick action, a negative outcome would have been likely,” Treacy said. “Pete did exactly what I would have expected him to do. He is a very experienced officer who has been in this situation countless times before. While we are here to provide a variety of services, these moments are the ones that really matter. I hope our campus community has an increased level of confidence in our abilities because of this.”
Last month, Panagiotaros was recognized for his efforts at the college Board of Trustees meeting with Jasmer in attendance.
“I’m grateful he was there along with my neighbor and coach. If it wasn’t for them, the doctor said I wouldn’t have made it,” Jasmer said. “I’ve defibrillated dozens of people or more. We show up before medics do. All officers must have training in CPR, AED, Stop the Bleed,” Panagiotaros added. “With this award, it felt wonderful to be acknowledged by my community and Moraine Valley family.”
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
