Friday, January 27, 2012 At 0521 hrs today, Geneva FD E208 and St. Charles Medic 153, on auto aid, responded for a medical alert alarm at a townhouse complex.  Upon arrival, companies were unable to gain entry due to locked exterior doors.  A family member down the block provided a key for access.  Upon entering the townhome, personnel including Geneva PD announced their presence multiple times without a response.  After searching the residence, a locked door with a simple push lock was found.  Personnel used a pen to pop the lock.  As the door opened, they were met by a dementia patient pointing a gun at them.  The PD officer drew his weapon and FD personnel withdrew from the line of fire.  The engine Lt. (also a police officer) contacted dispatch advising a man with a gun and called for backup.  The PD officer on scene was unable to get this transmission out due to need to concentrate on the immediate threat.  After lengthy standoff with police, the patient was tazed, dropped the weapon and was subdued.  Pt was subsequently transported to the local hospital.
 
We tend to be real complacent on calls of this nature which is a recurring theme on FFCC.  Had it not been for quick thinking and the training of all personnel involved, this incident could have escalated and become a multiple shooting very quickly.