CI Hero: Twin Cities man receives lifesaving award after performing CPR

CI Hero: Twin Cities man receives lifesaving award after performing CPR

It was a situation of happenstance that allowed a central Illinois man to be at the right place at the right time to save a woman’s life.

“Anthony Michalski demonstrated remarkable skill, courage and compassion making a profound difference in the life of a complete stranger,” said Officer Brad Park with the Normal Police Department.

Michalski left a friend’s apartment in the evening on January 19, 2024. He walked out to a group of friends huddled around Alyssa Enevold as she suffered a severe cardiac event. Relying on his training from the military, the certified life guard immediately started CPR.

“It seemed unreal,” said Michalski. “She had like come back to life like once or twice while we were doing the CPR. So, then it was like, stopping and reassessing, and we were in the snow. So, it was really cold and overall just really hard to tell if she was breathing.”

Enevold wasn’t breathing and had no pulse when first responders arrived to East Cherry Street in Normal. Emergency personnel restored her heart to a normal rhythm.

Michalski received a lifesaving award on June 21, 2024, from the woman he saved in a room full of family, friends, medical staff, first responders, and more.

“It feels amazing,” said Michalski. “It’s still kind of surreal being here. In my head, I just keep thinking that anybody would do it. Anyone who came across the situation would give CPR and it’s nothing that crazy, but here we are and I mean, it feels good that she’s here and she’s alive.”

Enevold received help from a chain of care, which started with Michalski.

“Anthony was the first link in that chain of survival for Alyssa that day,” said Kris Newcomb, McLean County Area EMS System.

Others included:

• 911 telecommunicator, Ross Hettinger
• Normal Police Officers Hepler, Sluder, Hufeld, Harper, and Trimble
• Normal Fire Department Battalion Chief Nick Vaux
• Rescue 12 | Jacob Mohr, Matt Johann (FF-Medics), Colton Miles (EMT-B)
• Engine 12 | Lt. Matt Bursack, Preston Gloede, Luke Schurter, Sean Rutledge
• Emergency Department staff | Dr. Kevin Regis, Michelle Bice, RN and support staff

The Normal Fire Department said learning CPR can come in handy when you least expect it.