E-mail
Print
Defibrillator and CPR couldnt prevent death in Union
Witnesses concerned about initial response time
By Stephanie Brien
But sometime later that night, he was on the floor in what appeared at the time to be either a seizure or choking said Darius Shaw, who was the first person by Tanks side. But sometime later that night, he was on the floor in what appeared at the time to be either a seizure or choking said Darius Shaw, who was the first person by Tanks side. But sometime later that night, he was on the floor in what appeared at the time to be either a seizure or choking said Darius Shaw, who was the first person by Tanks side. But sometime later that night, he was on the floor in what appeared at the time to be either a seizure or choking said Darius Shaw, who was the first person by Tanks side.
Bass beating. Strobe lights blaring in all directions. About 200 college-age people enjoyed, laughed and danced in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukees Union Ballroom Friday, April 6.
Dimitrius Tank Jackson was there in the midst of it all with his stunna shades and yellow and brown striped tie swinging to the beat at the dance sponsored by the UWM Black Student Union (BSU).
But sometime later that night, he was on the floor in what appeared at the time to be either a seizure or choking said Darius Shaw, who was the first person by Tanks side.
Shaw said he rolled him onto his side and after coughing several times something came out of his mouth. Then Shaw rolled him back over and unbuttoned his shirt. At that point Shaw said Tank was staring straight up at him and breathing.
At what is estimated around 12:37 a.m., security at the event saw everyone huddled together and went to check out the situation. According to the report from Tom Luljak, vice chancellor for University Relations and Communications, the staff went to Tanks aid around 12:38 a.m. and noticed he was convulsing and foaming at the mouth.
Everyone back up. Back up, Kenny Curtis, BSU president, said he remembers the security shouting. Meanwhile, Hes sitting there on the ground gasping for his last breath.
By 12:40, according to Milwaukee Fire Department records, the fire department was called and arrived four minutes later, for what was reported as an unconscious individual.
Between that time, Luljak said the staff did everything they could. A UWM police officer dashed to get the defibrillator, which was across the hall from the ballroom. But Tank still had a heartbeat, and they couldnt use it.
A UWM staff member ran downstairs to get the first aid kit. Someone put on a protection shield on Tanks mouth to potentially give him CPR, but he still had a pulse at the time.
It wasnt until after extra emergency help arrived that Tanks breathing became dangerously shallow and his heart eventually stopped beating.
Mike Romas, acting fire department deputy chief, reported that the first firefighter on the scene said UWM police had total charge of the situation when they arrived and everything was handled excellently.
However, several students who attended the BSU dance said they are not so sure. However, several students who attended the BSU dance said they are not so sure. Bennie Patterson, who saw the events, said he thought it took the staff too long to check out the problem when people started crowding around originally.
The university police didnt respond right away because (they thought) it was just another fight at a UWM party, Patterson said about the delayed initial response time.
If I had a medical emergency, I wouldnt feel safe here, Patterson said.
From now on Curtis said everyone with a position in the BSU will be required to have emergency training and know CPR.
In addition, Curtis hopes people can take one thing away from this.
Dont take life for granted, said Curtis. Value your life, you just never know when its your time.
> Comments