The *Daily Herald* recently reported on a wrongful-death lawsuit filed against the Carol Stream Fire District. The case involves an 81-year-old woman, Armida Nonneman, who died in August 2012 after suffering a choking incident at a party in Carol Stream. Her family has now taken legal action, accusing the village and a former paramedic of negligence.
According to the lawsuit, on August 25, 2012, paramedic Carey Zabran—then with the Carol Stream Fire Protection District—responded to the emergency. Despite being informed by Rick Beltrame, a licensed off-duty paramedic and former fire chief, that the food blocking the woman’s airway needed to be removed or suctioned before intubation, Zabran proceeded with the procedure while the food was still lodged in her throat.
The suit claims that Zabran was aware that attempting to intubate someone with food stuck in their airway could worsen the situation, potentially pushing the object further into the lungs. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Zabran failed to provide timely medical care and did not consult with other medical professionals as required.
Armida Nonneman was transported to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, where she passed away three days later. Her son, James Nonneman, revealed that he only learned about an internal investigation into the incident 14 months after his mother’s death, following the start of termination hearings for Battalion Chief Joseph Gilles.
Gilles had previously claimed in 2013 that he was being targeted for refusing to participate in a cover-up related to the paramedic’s actions. His attorneys have denied these allegations, calling them baseless. Meanwhile, the family's lawyers, Paul McMahon and Rick Murphy, emphasized that they were kept in the dark about the full story and are seeking justice.
McMahon stated that while the exact damages sought are still unclear, wrongful death cases typically involve amounts over $1 million. The fire district’s attorney, Karl Ottosen, declined to comment on the specifics of the case but expressed general disappointment if the lawsuit is based on negligence during district service.
Ottosen also suggested that upcoming testimony from Gilles’ trial might show the lawsuit lacks merit. However, he acknowledged the family’s right to pursue legal action. Gilles’ attorney, John Botti, claimed that the first responder “essentially froze†during the emergency, failing to follow proper procedures.
This case highlights the complex nature of emergency response and the critical importance of following established protocols in life-threatening situations. As the legal process continues, the family remains determined to uncover the truth and seek accountability.
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