Survivor: Justin Stroh
Date of Event:
Rescuer(s):Jennifer Kennedy
In the midst of an unusually harsh winter of 2021, a suburban Philadelphia man collapsed while shoveling snow outside his home. His wife, unaware of the emergency unfolding outside, remained indoors as he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The streets were chaotic with snow, and the lingering fear of the COVID pandemic kept people at a distance.
A Stranger's Intervention
Amidst the bleak winter scene, a woman driving through the neighborhood noticed the man's lifeless body slumped against a snowbank. Without a second thought, she stopped her car, rushed to his side, and immediately started chest compressions upon realizing he wasn't breathing. She flagged down another driver to call 911, her actions setting in motion a chain of events that would ultimately save a life.
The Fight for Survival
For five long minutes, the woman continued compressions until emergency medical services arrived. The EMTs took over, shocking the man five times with an AED and administering four shots of adrenaline. It took several more agonizing minutes before they were able to restore spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
At the hospital, the man was diagnosed with a heart attack and underwent catheterization to address a blocked coronary artery. However, his ordeal was far from over. He spent 90 days in the hospital battling various medical complications stemming from the cardiac arrest.
A Long Road to Recovery
Induced hypothermia and a medically induced coma were necessary to stabilize his vital signs, and it took weeks before he could be weaned off the ventilator. He contracted pneumonia in both lungs, his kidneys failed, and he underwent a tracheotomy and had a feeding tube inserted. ICU delirium and a cocktail of medications caused hallucinations and confusion. To further complicate matters, he contracted COVID-19, significantly hindering his recovery.
The journey back to normalcy was arduous, requiring the support of numerous medical and rehabilitation professionals over two years. Yet, the man's survival can be attributed to the quick and decisive actions of a stranger who refused to let him become another statistic.
A Hero in the Midst of Chaos
Despite the pandemic-induced fear and social distancing, this woman chose to act, initiating the chain of survival instead of waiting helplessly for EMTs to arrive. Her selfless act in the face of adversity makes her a true hero. The man, forever grateful, recognizes that he owes his life to her courage and willingness to help a stranger in need.
This story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, compassion and bravery can shine through. It highlights the importance of bystander CPR and the profound impact one person's actions can have on another's life.