SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has fined Methodist Home $10,000 (Statement of Violation), for failure to provide appropriate emergency care to a resident having respiratory problems. The 131-bed skilled, intermediate and sheltered care facility is located at 1415 W. Foster Ave. in Chicago.

As part of an annual survey and complaint investigation, Department surveyors learned staff did not perform the Heimlich maneuver on a resident who was coughing and having difficulty breathing following dinner.

Facility staff began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after the resident stopped breathing and had no pulse, but they did not first clear the resident's airway as required by facility policy. Unsuccessful attempts were made to suction the resident with a bulb syringe because emergency suction machines did not work. Paramedics were unable to revive the resident, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Department surveyors found that the emergency suction machine on the resident's floor was not working and a machine obtained from another floor also was not operational. The employee charged with maintaining emergency equipment said he only made sure machines were on portable carts, but did not check to see if they were in working order.

The Department-ordered plan of correction required the facility to train staff on the importance of following procedures related to medical emergencies and to make sure emergency equipment is checked prior to each shift. The facility also was ordered to make sure it notifies the Department of an incident or accident that has, or is likely to have, a significant effect on the health, safety or welfare of a resident.

Methodist Home requested a hearing on the Department's action. No hearing date has been scheduled.