A London mother remained unconscious and in critical condition at Saint Joseph hospital late Thursday night – casually a fire that swept her mother’s home just before midnight Wednesday.
Mrs. Ju Monroe, 31, of 510 Central Ave., suffered first and second degree burns.
The woman’s eight month old son, Alan, initially listed in serious condition at the same hospital, is now satisfactory condition.
London fire men a credited with saving both lives.
Fire chief ray Morley said he is not known as 12 “hand out bouquets” that this is a rescue in which he is “commending” his men.
Two firemen were injured as they attempted to get into the house. Jim Mitchell cut his hand turn to get in a window and Henry Hansen slipped over a railing at the rear, injuring his back as he tried to gain entry. Both were taken a hospital.
Al Finch, captain of the rescue unit, said his truck arrived minutes after the first regular unit arrived because they had been out on another call.
After chopping down the front door, Captain Finch, Bob Gooding and Bill Dryburgh first found Mrs. Monroe unconscious on the bed.
“She was so black. My god, but that she was dead,” Captain Finch said.
The woman was carried to the veranda where he began mouth to mouth resuscitation until she became semiconscious.
Seconds after the woman was found, firemen Joe Haus found the baby in the back bedroom.
The child also thought to be dead but Haus began mouth to mouth resuscitation at the doorway and didn’t stop until the ambulance arrived and deliver them to the hospital.
“he was giving the baby mouth to mouth even while they were going to the hospital,” Captain Finch said.
Firemen bill Connelly accompanied Mrs. Monroe in the amounts helping comply oxygen the Thames Valley Ambulance attendants Pete Allen and Rick Payne.
“I know – and people will say – that this is routine with us, part of the job, but when this happens the man deserves some credit,” Chief Marty said.
The firefighters were largely the same crew that rescued four persons in a fatal fire at 49 Ridout St., two weeks ago. Fireman Connolly was injured in that place.
Platoon Chief Max Robinson said in Wednesday night’s fire flames were shooting from our front window of the single story frame home when they arrived just before 11:30. He estimated structural damage at about $15,000.
He said the fire apparently started in the living room chesterfield. The cause is unknown.
