The victim of a near fatal heart attack at a fundraising run in Erieau earlier this summer is urging organizers to have at least one defibrillator on-site in order to prevent a tragic death in the future.
Jack Bryant, an avid runner who is only in his 30s, told CK News Today he's very lucky to be alive after having no vital signs for 12 minutes after he participated in this year's Trot to the Beach in Erieau run in early June.
Medical experts said typically, a person can be brought back to life within five to 10 minutes of cardiac arrest.
Bryant said he nearly died in front of his wife and son and feels blessed to be alive.
"Trot to the Beach fumbled the ball. They didn't have any paramedics there and they had sent out an email saying that was going to be a part of it. So, without divine intervention and Dr. [Anthony] Dixon just happening to be there, I would have died in front of my wife and son," said Bryant.
Bryant said he was found on a park bench while his wife and son were playing on some playground equipment and Dr. Dixon, who was at the event to cheer on a friend, was called over and knew immediately Bryant was unresponsive.
Run organizer J.P. Huggins of Blenheim promised shortly after the event to have a defibrillator on-site at future runs.
Huggins said he and Dr. Dixon quickly jumped into action when they saw Bryant slumped over on a bench after he finished the race.
Huggins previously told CK News Today Dr. Dixon performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away to revive Bryant while he (Huggins) called 911. Bryant, who is Dr. Dixon's friend, came back after the doctor used an automated external defibrillator (AED) brought by first responders from the Erieau Fire Department.
For its part, Chatham-Kent EMS told CK News Today it is pleased to partner with community groups and often volunteers at various community events when they are asked and have staff available to do so.
"Although CKEMS Paramedics were not on site volunteering at the Trot to the Beach event this year, there were First Responders present to manage life threating emergencies and paramedics were called on scene to assist with a medical event," said spokesperson Samantha Hughes.