Plea to Learn CPR as AED Saved Jim - by Sally Waller (Ambassador Flock member)

PSA! My husband Jim survived a cardiac arrest after the finish line of a race in August. He had no pulse and was not breathing, but was brought back with chest compressions and two shocks from an AED. There was a medic on him within 30 seconds of his falling, and multiple medical personnel available to help. Jim, an ultrarunner with no previous heart issues, spent five days in the cardiac ICU as they tried to figure out the cause of the arrest.
Jim is here today because of the rapid response of medical personnel (hired by the race) and an accessible AED to deliver the shocks. Please, everyone, learn CPR in case you have to step in with chest compressions until medical professionals arrive, and lobby for races and other events to have AEDs on site and quickly accessible.
Note: The above picture is from this race last year, when he won his age group.

Leave a comment