Nurse remembered for teaching emergency medicine

Excerpts from ChicagoSunTimes.com:

Cheryl Michalek was known for her unique blend of warmth and strength, often referred to as “Trauma Mama.” Her approach to emergency medical care was both firm and tender, like a mix of lemon and honey. She trained thousands of first-responders, passing on her knowledge to even more paramedics, firefighters, and police officers who would go on to help countless others in their communities.

Mrs. Michalek passed away on March 5 at her home in Riverdale after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, according to her husband, Richard, whom she had been married to for 57 years. She was 77. Her wake and funeral were attended by many firefighters and police officers in full dress uniform, showing the deep respect she earned throughout her career. The Dolton Fire Department even raised an aerial ladder and flew the American flag in her honor.

For decades, Mrs. Michalek would finish her nursing shift at Little Company of Mary Hospital and then head to emergency medical classes she taught in the south and southwest suburbs, always in uniform. She believed that every patient deserved the same love and care you’d give your own family.

“She always reminded us that when you’re treating someone, you should think of them as family,” said Midlothian Fire Chief Stephen M. Hotwagner. “They’re someone’s brother, father, daughter, or son. You have to treat them with the same dignity and compassion you’d expect for your own.”

Teaching wasn’t always easy, especially when facing overconfident but inexperienced students. But Cheryl had the grit of a city girl from North Roseland. If someone challenged her, she wouldn’t back down. She might ask, “Do you want to come up here and teach?”—a way to remind everyone that respect and humility were essential in the field.

Dr. Bernie Heilicser, medical director of the South Cook County EMS System, described her as passionate and humble. “She trained so many EMTs with heart and dedication,” he said.

Among those who benefited from her training were three Chicago fire commissioners: James Joyce, Ray Orozco Jr., and Robert Hoff, according to her son, Gary Michalek, a firefighter himself.

Dr. Michael O’Mara, chair of emergency medicine at Little Company of Mary, called her a pioneer. “She was one of the first nurses to teach EMTs on the South Side,” he said.

Her family remembered her not just as a teacher, but as a devoted mother. Sue Stacey, a dispatch supervisor, recalled how her mother would use pennies from her purse to buy pool passes for the summer. “We never took vacations, but we always had Sunday dinners together,” she said.

If her students struggled, she invited them over for study sessions. Her sons, Rick and Scott, remember her kindness and strength. Rick went into construction, while Scott works as a Metra conductor. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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