Cardiac arrest patient Cara Frank reunites with Chicago Fire Department first responders, paramedics who saved her life with CPR
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — There were hugs all around on Wednesday from a grateful Chicago woman who needed help and got it.

Cara Frank is alive today after a team of Chicago firefighters and paramedics responded to a call last summer.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“Thank you, just thank you for letting me be here for my kids,” Frank said. “Thank you.”

Frank experienced a sudden and mysterious cardiac arrest. Her husband initiated CPR, and subsequently, firefighters from Tower Ladder 23 took over until Ambulance 20 arrived to assist.

“They were doing excellent work with CPR,” said Jessica Kilimnik from the Chicago Fire Department. “We connected her to a heart monitor and noticed she had a rhythm we could shock, so we continued administering CPR and medication. By the time we got her onto the stretcher, she was breathing on her own, which was a wonderful outcome.”

Kilimnik was the paramedic in charge that day.

I feel incredibly grateful that I got the chance to express my thanks in person. Knowing I am still here because of their critical help is something for which I will always be thankful.

“A lot of times they don’t know what happens way down the road,” CFD Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said. “This was one of those days when we saw this woman survive. It was truly truly the hard work of the EMTs and the paramedics.”

“I remembered all the details about it, and I wanted to meet her, because we don’t get to meet people from cardiac arrest very often,” Kilimnik said. “It is a little emotional in a good way.”

Nearly ten months ago to the day, Frank was reunited with the first responders

“It was very surreal. I didn’t even know which paramedics had come in, just wanted to say thank you everyone for the work that they do everyday, not just for me, but for everyone they help everyday,” Frank said. “I just feel thankful that I was able to say thank you in person, that I’m still here and they played such a critical role in that, and I’ll
be forever grateful.”

Frank now has a pacemaker, and while it is still unclear what caused the cardiac arrest, she has fully recovered. The mother and teacher was able to return to her life and the first responders returned to duty ready to help the next person in need.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump announces new tariffs on Mexico, EU to begin Aug. 1

Trump Reveals Upcoming Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting August 1

Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States’ biggest trade…
A yacare caiman held by a person wearing black gloves.

Surprise as 3ft Crocodile Seen Swimming in Reservoir at Popular Spanish Vacation Destination

A MASSIVE 3ft crocodile that was spotted swimming in the water sparked…
‘Devil in the Ozarks’ investigators uncover how murderer escaped prison before manhunt

Investigators of ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Reveal How Murderer Escaped Prison Ahead of Manhunt

Arkansas legislators grilled representatives from the state’s Department of Corrections on Thursday…
Two soldiers carrying rifles walk across a metal bridge.

Travis Decker’s Missing Days Numbered as Experts Warn Fugitive Dad’s Options to Remain Hidden Are Dwindling

According to experts, Travis Decker, who is accused of child murder, would…
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign persona called into question by vote to give himself raise: critics

Critics Question Zohran Mamdani’s Authenticity After He Votes for His Own Pay Raise

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani approved a significant increase in his state…
Trump calls Butler widow, Secret Service agrees to meeting after call for accountability

Trump Phones Widow of Butler: Secret Service Accepts Meeting Following Demand for Responsibility

The widow of Corey Comperatore, a victim of a shooting at a…
Michael Bell fights execution amid witness coercion claims

Lawyers for Michael Bell Submit Appeal to Halt Execution at the Supreme Court

Bell is set to be the 8th inmate on death row to…
2026 midterm elections: What the next election cycle means for Illinois Democratic Party as several Congressional seats open up

Upcoming 2026 Midterm Elections: Impact on Illinois Democratic Party with Multiple Congressional Seats Opening

The political environment in Illinois is poised for a notable transformation with…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 6 shot, 1 fatally, in gun violence across city, police say

Weekend Shootings in Chicago: Gun Violence Leaves 6 Injured and 1 Dead, According to Police

CHICAGO (WLS) — Police have reported that at least six people have…
Portrait of a young girl wearing purple glasses.

Three-Year-Old Girl Found Wrapped in Plastic in Suitcase; Mother and Partner Arrested Following False Kidnapping Report

THE body of three-year-old Nola Dinkins has been found wrapped in Saran…
UK man indicted in alleged $99M wine fraud scheme that left investors high and dry

UK Man Charged in $99 Million Wine Scam, Leaving Investors Empty-Handed

A man from the United Kingdom was arraigned Friday in Brooklyn federal…
Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nests, and some blame overfishing

Osprey Populations Once Recovered, But Now Nestling Deaths Are Rising—Is Overfishing the Culprit?

In GLOUCESTER POINT, Va. (AP) — Standing on an aging wooden duck…