TODAY'S TMJ4

Tree Service Worker Shocked, Brought Back To Life

BEAVER DAM - Fred Stiemsma was watching a professional trees service trim the old hickory in his lakefront lawn Monday when one of the workers went down.

"He was lying here," Stiemsma told TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Tom Murray. "It looked like he was dead or close to it."

When the 21-year-old man touched his company's bucket truck, a crippling jolt of electricity sent him flying and knocked him out. The tree is near a power line, although it's unclear what part of the truck came in contact with an electric current.

Stiemsma called 911.

"My wife came running out and started giving chest compressions," Stiemsma said.

The dispatcher gave instructions to a couple with no CPR training.

Stiemsma is heard on the 911 recording asking, "How do you check for breathing?"

"You've just gotta look listen and feel for it, get down by their face and see if you feel anything," replied Communication Officer Dave Zirbel.

Dodge County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Homan arrived at the home on Airport Road with a defibrillator. He administered at least two shocks before paramedics arrived.

The Beaver Dam Fire Department further assisted with the desperate, seemingly bleak rescue attempt.

"For the start of a very bad day, I think we gave him the best chance he could get," said Fire Chief Alan Mannel.

Survival seemed dim even as a medical chopper flew the victim to Madison. But on Friday, the man was said to be talking with his family and improving at University of Wisconsin Hospital.

"He's had banter a little bit with his folks and girlfriend," said Bob Biel, owner of K&B Lawn and Tree Care. "It's your worst nightmare to see one of your fellas go down like this."

The Stiemsma's were thankful to learn the victim is expected to recover.

"I would positively say he was brought back to life," Fred Stiemsma said.