I’ve always been in peak physical condition, very healthy and extremely active….running, hiking, kayaking and biking. But on August 17, 2008, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest while swimming in the Danskin Triathlon and disappeared underneath the water. What saved my life was the quick action of volunteers at the event who saw me go under and started CPR and the quick response by emergency medical personnel at the scene.
I was quickly transported to Harborview Medical Center where doctors chilled my body for 24 hours in order to reduce the risk of a brain injury during the first few hours of my recovery. Doctors told my husband that I would probably die or end up with severe brain damage. I woke from my coma three days later. After 23 days in the hospital and months of occupational, speech and physical therapy, l returned to my job at the City of Tacoma six months after the life-changing event.
I have no memory of ever starting the triathlon, let alone the traumatic events that followed once I entered the water. One person dies from sudden cardiac arrest every two minutes. For victims of cardiac arrest, the chain of survival starts with someone recognizing the problem and calling 9-1-1. Starting CPR within minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
You can become a life saver by learning CPR. CPR classes are offered by the American Heart Association and local fire departments. My message is to learn CPR. You may be able to save the life of a loved one or someone else’s loved one.
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