HOCKESSIN, DELAWARE (11/4/2015) A 77-year-old man who suffered cardiac arrest while swimming at the Hockessin Athletic Club was revived by lifeguards and emergency responders, authorities said.
The incident at 100 Fitness Way happened shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, said Sgt. Michael A. McColley of New Castle County paramedics.
Lifeguards Katrina Ptakowski and Sam Calhoun noticed the man face down in the outdoor pool and pulled him from the water onto the concrete deck, where they determined he was not breathing and had no pulse.
They started CPR and called 911, McColley said.
When firefighters and emergency medical technicians arrived, they continued CPR and placed an automatic external defibrillator which determined he was in a cardiac rhythm requiring shock.
They resumed CPR and after a second shock from the AED the man regained pulses and some respiratory effort, McColley said.
When paramedics revived the man was unresponsive but with some vital signs present.
“They initiated post cardiac arrest care, administering medications, oxygen and fluids to the patient. During transport the patient’s vital signs improved and he regained consciousness prior to arriving at the Christiana Hospital ER,” McColley said.
“This is another example of how the “chain of survival” helps to increase a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Early recognition of an emergency, early action by the lifeguards, early activation of 911, early CPR and defibrillation and early advanced cardiac care by the paramedics all played a part in this patient’s second chance,” he said.
Hockessin and Mill Creek fire companies responded as well as New Castle County police.