Lifesaver

In my line of work, it is not uncommon to receive phone calls at odd hours that relate to something happening at the Y. Most often, it is a broken pipe, an angry member, or an absent staff person. A couple of weeks ago, I received a call that was very different.

I actually missed the call, but picked up my mobile just moments later and checked the voicemail. The message said" Derek- a member has collapsed on a treadmill, one of our staff is administering CPR, and 911 has been called."

So, here is the story: One of our long-time members had just completed his workout on a treadmill and was headed to get some gym-wipes to wipe down the machine. He collapsed in front of the treadmill. One of our key-staff heard the noise, and quickly went to investigate. He found the member conscious, but unresponsive. The member seized up and then became completely unresponsive.

Our staff person opened the member's airway, checked for breathing and pulse, and began CPR. Another staff member brought our AED to the scene of the incident. After the AED pads were applied to the member's chest, the AED attempted to find a pulse, and, when none was found, advised our staff member to administer a shock.

After the shock was administered, the AED assessed the patient again, and determined that a pulse was again present. paramedics arrived, stabilized the member, and took him to the hospital.

The member had surgery on Saturday, and a stent was inserted into the main artery leading to his heart. The doctor's described the artery as being 90% blocked, and said that they commonly refer to said artery as "the widow-maker", as heart attacks that result from blockage in that artery are most often fatal.

The member was released from the hospital on Monday, and on Tuesday, just 5 short days after the incident, he stood in my office, thanking the YMCA for saving his life...

I am very proud of my staff member and team members that make our YMCA a great place to be. In this instance, not only was the Y able to improve a life, but actually save one...