It is said that an individual in the medical field is never truly “off duty”.  We all have thought about what we would do if faced with a scenario while off duty. To be the only paramedic on scene, with minimal resources and equipment, How could you help? What would you do?

These are questions Firefighter/ Paramedic Ponejolic recently had to ask himself.

Last month, while vacationing in Minocqua, Wisconsin, the Ponejolic family went boating on Lake Minocqua. What was thought to be a relaxing getaway with the family turned into something very different. After wake surfing off the back end of the boat FF/ P Ponejolic’s father-in-law became unresponsive in the water. FF/ P Ponejolic was able to pull his father-in-law from the water and discovered that he was pulseless and not breathing. FF/ P Ponejolic was able to administer CPR while 911 call was placed. Local Law enforcement and paramedics responded to the scene. With the quick application of an AED, multiple rounds of CPR and defibrillation, Ponejolic’s father-in-laws’ heart was shocked back into a normal rhythm. FF/ P Ponejolic also assisted in advanced airway placement and ventilations. FF/ P Ponejolic’s father-in-law was rushed to a local hospital where he was stabilized and then flighted to an Eau Claire area hospital where he underwent open heart surgery. FF/ P Ponejolic’s father-in-law was recently discharged back home after a 10-day stay in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Thank you Firefighter/Paramedic Ponejolic for your actions that day. They exemplify the value first responders offer everyday, in every situation at anytime, to every community.