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Car into pond in Arlington Heights 7-25-13 (more)
The Chicago Tribune recently published an article following up on the investigation into how authorities responded to an incident last week where an elderly man tragically drowned after driving his car into a nearby pond. The details of this case have sparked significant public concern and raised questions about emergency procedures.
According to reports, the emergency dispatcher who received a 911 call from an Arlington Heights man after his car plunged into the pond failed to advise him to exit the sinking vehicle, which seems to contradict the dispatch agency's established protocols. Although the elderly man was eventually rescued by fire department divers breaking through a car window, he passed away shortly afterward. Some safety experts argue that getting him out of the car before it fully submerged might have increased his chances of survival significantly.
In light of these events, the dispatch agency responsible for handling the six 911 calls related to the accident, including the extensive conversation with the victim, Henry Laseke, aged 89, has initiated an inquiry to ascertain whether all standard operating procedures were adhered to. A statement released by Northwest Central Dispatch System confirmed this investigation is underway.
A recording of Laseke's call reveals the dispatcher repeatedly asking for his address while advising him to stay calm and wait for assistance. Two minutes into the call, Laseke desperately pleaded, "Hurry up, I'm sinking. The water is coming up..." Throughout the entire interaction, the dispatcher never instructed Laseke to attempt opening his car door or window to leave the vehicle.
Michael Thompson, a consultant for Priority Dispatch Corp., emphasized that according to their protocols designed specifically for sinking vehicles, dispatchers should direct callers to unfasten seatbelts, open doors, and leave their cars immediately. Cindy Barbera-Brelle, the executive director of Northwest Central, acknowledged using Priority's protocols but refrained from commenting on the specifics surrounding the Arlington Heights incident. She stated that her agency strictly follows the protocols as outlined by Priority Dispatch Corp.
This unfortunate event occurred early Thursday morning when Laseke reportedly lost control of his 2013 Cadillac SUV and entered an 8-foot-deep retention pond close to his residence. Witnesses reported seeing him on his phone inside the floating vehicle. Thompson noted that while dispatchers generally prioritize obtaining addresses during emergencies, situations involving sinking vehicles necessitate specialized responses. He remarked that any agency failing to prepare adequately for such scenarios risks neglecting its duty to serve the public effectively.
It's worth noting that there are currently no federally mandated standards governing emergency dispatch protocols nationwide. However, many agencies adhere to widely accepted guidelines regarding medical emergencies, such as providing appropriate guidance for individuals experiencing heart attacks. Sinking vehicles are categorized under "technical rescues," requiring unique skills and expertise beyond typical dispatcher training. Ken Willette, a division manager at the Quincy, Massachusetts-based National Fire Protection Association, explained that their standards focus primarily on fire department operations rather than specific guidelines for dispatchers.
Both the Arlington Heights police and fire departments are currently reviewing this case. Fire Chief Glenn Ericksen mentioned that while he couldn't definitively state whether dispatchers are legally bound to guide callers toward self-rescue, he highlighted two critical pieces of advice: unbuckling seatbelts and opening windows. The National Safety Council estimates that hundreds of people die annually due to vehicle submersions. In such dire circumstances,逃生 should always be the priority since vehicles can sink rapidly—often faster than emergency responders can reach the scene. John Ulczycki, a vice president at the council, suggested he would have inquired about Laseke's ability to swim to safety had he been involved.
For more background information, you can read our earlier post HERE.
This story continues to evolve as investigations progress, prompting discussions around improving emergency response strategies across various jurisdictions.