By: Joanne M. Haas/DNR Bureau of Law Enforcement
A few hours after DNR Conservation Warden Isaac Kruse started his work day on January 19, he found himself side-by-side with four St. Croix County responders who together saved the life of a man who was on the job like any normal day.
From left to right, Lakeview Paramedics Kevin Zimmerman and Jeff Price, Keith Butterfield, Warden Isaac Kruse, St. Croix County Deputy Nick Krueger and St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson.
But, this was not to be a normal day for Keith Butterfield. Because, it was nearly his last.
Warden Isaac was in Hudson on patrol when he heard the emergency medical call on his radio. Close to Nor-Lake Inc., he arrived to find Butterfield’s co-workers performing CPR on their colleague – Keith Butterfield – who had passed out and dropped to the floor. By the time Warden Isaac walked in, the co-workers also had placed the paddles of the AED – automated external defibrillator – in an attempt to revive a pulse. About the same time Warden Isaac arrived, so did St. Croix County Deputy Nick Krueger. Together, the two officers took over the CPR and proceeded with the AED process to apply a second system shock.
DNR Conservation Warden Isaac Kruse and State Rep. Rob Stafsholt of New Richmond, in the 29th Assembly District.
Next to arrive was First Responder Jay Penfield who initiated advance life-saving measures as Butterfield still, despite the team working hard and fast, had no pulse.
Next to arrive were Jeff Price and Kevin Zimmerman of Lakeview Paramedics just after the responder team detected a slight pulse in Butterfield. Next step was to get the patient out of his workplace. Warden Kruse assisted in getting Butterfield into the ambulance, so the two paramedics could get him to the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.
There, he received surgery that included some stents and completed a successful recovery.
Keith Butterfield stood tall as he graced the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department’s annual awards banquet in March to meet his life-saving crew. Pretty cool. St. County Sheriff Scott Knudson also provided each of the life-saving team a sheriff’s honor for their outstanding team efforts to save a life.
Teamwork strikes again and saves a life.
If you have information regarding natural resource violations, you may confidentially report by calling or texting: VIOLATION HOTLINE: 1-800-TIP-WDNR or 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay report information to conservation wardens.
Last Revised: Saturday, March 30, 2019
