A runner is lucky to be alive after suffering a heart attack following a race this past weekend in Erieau.
Run organizer J.P. Huggins of Blenheim and Chatham doctor Anthony Dixon quickly jumped into action when they saw the man in his 30s slumped over on a bench after he finished the Trot to the Beach race on Sunday.
Huggins told CK News Today Dr. Dixon performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away to revive the man while he called 911. The man, who is Dr. Dixon's friend, came back after the doctor used an automated external defibrillator (AED) brought by fire crews.
Huggins said the importance of knowing First Aid and being in the right place at the right time is not lost on him.
"I can't stress enough the benefits of having basic CPR training, AED training, First Aid training, the risk management, all that kind of fantastic stuff. It helps make such a huge difference in situations like this," said Huggins.
Dr. Dixon agrees and said any member of the public could have done what they did with some training. Dixon said the only difference is that his doctor training allowed him to recognize the cardiac arrest immediately and get to work with chest compressions.
Huggins has heard from the victim and said he's recovering after a short stay in the Chatham hospital.
"It's like an unbelievable weight off your shoulders and just super thankful for everybody involved for their care and quickness. Just super happy it ended well," he said.
Dr. Dixon said he heard from his friend on his birthday on June 13, 2024 and hearing his voice was the best birthday present he could have asked for.
Huggins said he's been organizing runs for about 15 years and has never witnessed a traumatic experience like that.
He said the firefighters and paramedics responded quickly and did a great job.
Huggins said the 20th annual Trot to the Beach run raised more than $10,000 for charity.