Janesville man saves a life
Photo
Don Guetschow hugs Blackhawk Tech student Alex Craker who saved his life in March when he had a heart attack by doing CPR.
JANESVILLE — March 26 was an ordinary Friday that became extraordinary for four people on Janesville’s south side.
Don Guetschow had driven that morning with his wife, Kathy, known by many as “Sue,” from their Beloit Township home to their daughter Donna’s house in Janesville.
Donna Hanson had volunteered her van to haul cabinets her parents had ordered from Pewaukee.
Hanson drove. Don rode in the front passenger seat. Kathy was in the back. They had barely left the driveway when Don felt dizzy.
“That’s the last thing I remember,” he said.
Don’s head fell back. His mouth dropped open.
They tried to rouse him. Then they both were dialing 911.
“I just remember shaking so bad,” Hanson said.
“Both of us,” Kathy said.
They later learned Don had suffered “sudden cardiac death.”
Hanson drove about two blocks to get to Kellogg Avenue. She stopped in front of Our Savior Lutheran Church, where she figured the ambulance could find them easily.
The dispatcher advised the women to get Don out of the van, lay him on the ground and start CPR.
Don is 6 feet tall and 192 pounds. The women knew they’d never get him safely to the ground. They ran into the street and flagged down a pickup truck.
Alex Craker had just left home and was on his way to school at Blackhawk Technical College.
He pulled over when he saw the women waving their arms.
They had stopped the right guy.
Craker is big and strong, and his last CPR class was in February. It’s a requirement at his job at Aggregate Produced Products, a sand and gravel supplier in Evansville.
Craker graduated last spring from Parker High School, where he wrestled as a heavyweight and played offensive line on the football team.
Craker didn’t hesitate. He pulled Don from the van as Hanson cradled her father’s head.
“I said, ‘Do you know CPR?’ He said, yes, he did,” Kathy said.
Craker began compressions as Don lay on the grass. Hanson heard her father’s ribs crack. Paramedics soon arrived and took over.
“He stayed the entire time while they worked on my dad and comforted us,” Hanson said.
Later, Hanson heard from several medical professionals that Craker had saved Don’s life.
Doctors induced a coma and later installed an internal defibrillator. Don seems to be recovering nicely.
Craker joined the Guetschows at their home Thursday and met a conscious Don for the first time.
Don was feeling well enough to get out of his armchair to give Craker a hug. Smiles filled the living room as they talked about the fateful day.
“The only unpleasant part about this is I have two broken ribs,” Don said good-naturedly. “They told us that’s the only way you can do it (CPR) right.”
Don, 82, is retired from Beloit Corp. He and Kathy have four children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who all are grateful.
Don said Craker’s actions show that young people aren’t as bad as some people make them out to be.
“I never thought that because I’ve had pretty good kids, even grandkids. They’re respectful to adults, and they respect their peers, and that’s a great thing,” Don said.
Hanson can’t get over her good fortune.
“You never know how you’re going to react in a situation like that. You hope you do the right thing and the right people help you out,” she said.
“We were just lucky.”
Apr 22, 2010 at 11:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
What a wonderful story. I wish there were more stories like this in the news. maybe then I would read or watch more often.
Apr 20, 2010 at 3:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
Way to go Alex!
Apr 20, 2010 at 12:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
great story Alex you are a hero!
Apr 20, 2010 at 12:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
True.
Apr 20, 2010 at 10:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
It's wonderful to know that some people aren't afraid to help others. Especially in times like this. Alex should be very proud of himself for doing the right thing! I can't imagine what it feels like to save the life of another human being.
Alex is a hero!
Apr 20, 2010 at 7:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
Pastor Eman, here's some scripture.
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned Luke 16:37
Apr 20, 2010 at 5:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
Alex, God placed you in the right place at the right time-He knows your strengths and used them to help in a time of need. So proud to know you!
Apr 19, 2010 at 6:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Pero thekid dice que hay demasiadas semillas en la hierba.
But thekid says there's too many seeds in the weed.
Apr 19, 2010 at 6:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
ricardocol says, thank you for the welcome and may god bless all of us.
Apr 19, 2010 at 6:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
GRACIAS POR LA BIENVENIDA DIOS LOS BENDIGA
Apr 19, 2010 at 5:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
ricardocol, bienvenido a GazetteXtra. Nuestra casa es su casa.
Apr 19, 2010 at 5:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
ricardocol is saying that he enjoys reading the Gazette in English but he can only express himself in Spanish.
He also wants to know if thekid is enjoying the weed.
;~)
Apr 19, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
QUE INPORTA QUE SEA UN WEB SITE AMERICANA ACASO LOS QUE ENTENDEMOS ESPAÑOL NO NOS PODEMOS EXPRESAR, ME ENCANTA LEER ESTE PERIODICO LO QUE PASA ES QUE NO PIEDO ESCRIBIR NIEN EN INGLES, PERO DE TODAS FORMAS QUERIA DAR MI OPINION. SALUDOS AMIGOS DE HABLA INGLESA
Apr 19, 2010 at 4:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
I am curious what he said that was removed.
This is a nice story. I cannot possibly be about the story.
Apr 19, 2010 at 4:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
BYW- in America some of us are smart enough to know to learn another language so that we might communicate with others. I should go to school and take refresher course.
Apr 19, 2010 at 4:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
My spanish isn't too good. But I got the gist of it. I believe he said good job and if he says this in English it wont translate very well.
Lay off.
Apr 19, 2010 at 4:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hey ricardocol,this is an American website!
Apr 19, 2010 at 4:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Hey ricardocol,this is an American webiste!
Apr 19, 2010 at 3:44 p.m.
Apr 19, 2010 at 3:19 p.m.
Suggest removal
Alex, so many of us hope that when encountered with a situation where extreme pressure forces us to perform at our best, that we can rise to the occasion to make a difference. You are PROOF that good men do exist and the quintessence of a modern day hero! I've seen you rise to the occasion before and damn proud that you did it again! Hats off to the hero of the day!
Apr 19, 2010 at 1:29 p.m.
Apr 19, 2010 at 11:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
Grandson-your actions have given this family their Dad and Grandpa back to them. We are so very proud of the actions you took that day.
But then it doesn't surprise us at all.
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
A true hero walk among us. Nice job! Good article.
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Alex we are so very proud of you!! Love, Mom and Mike
Apr 19, 2010 at 9:40 a.m.
Suggest removal
Great Story. What a gift to go along with your training. To actually use it and save a life!
Apr 19, 2010 at 8:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
Awesome Job!! I am very thankful for people out there that are willing to help. Being an EMT and seeing other people trained in correct CPR is awesome!!! Fabulous job and keep up the great work!!
Apr 19, 2010 at 1:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
lookslike a man too me,acts like a man here,we need more like him around for sure. great job there Alex- sir.
Apr 18, 2010 at 10:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thank you Alex from Sherry & Jim, our 3 Daughters, 3 Son-in-Laws and 2 Grandsons in Minnesota. Your willingness to help my Dad has given us a gift we will never forget. It is a tribute to you, your family and your employer. You have made a difference in so many lives-you are our Hero!
Apr 18, 2010 at 10:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
I think Mr Alex Craker fills his "manly" boots pretty well.
Job well done young-man.
Apr 18, 2010 at 9:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
Alex you are extraordinary person! So proud of you!
Apr 18, 2010 at 9:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
After all the doom, gloom, and horrible things we see everyday - you proved that there are still good people willing to do the right thing for a stranger, thank you and God bless you.
Apr 18, 2010 at 8:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
Well said MrsSW. I read it your way instead of assuming instant negativity like BeenThereDoneThat.
Apr 18, 2010 at 7:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Thanks Alex from the Hansons - You made a difference in not only my Dad's life but his children, grandchildren & greatgrandchildren. We are forever grateful to you and your parents for raising such a fine young man!
Apr 18, 2010 at 6:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
What I think bunelyn meant was that Alex was not a kid...but a Man. And one hellava Man at that. Way to go Alex!
Apr 18, 2010 at 6:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
It takes a lot to do what Alex did in a crisis situation. He could have said he didn't know CPR and just went on his way, not willing to get involved. Shows what kind of character this young man has to do what he did. Great job Mr. Craker and a big thumbs up to his employer for requiring CPR training. It just saved a life.
Apr 18, 2010 at 6:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
bunelyn, apparently you have an opinion of this young man. Was your comment really necessary?
Apr 18, 2010 at 4:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
known Alex for years he is a hell of a kid, no man.
Apr 18, 2010 at 4:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
We can all appreciate that young man's willingess to help. But has anyone given thought to his employer having made their employees get the training? It's a big committment (and expense) but it helps the community in which they do business. Bravo!
Apr 18, 2010 at 4:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
Excellent job Alex!
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.