We’ve all heard the saying, “in the right place at the right time.” Luann Sourintha is living proof of this idiom. She’s also living to tell her story thanks to an off-duty Columbus Police officer who used an AED to save her life at the gym.
Luann Sourintha thought she’d get one more workout in before the year ended. The last thing she remembers on December 31st is being light headed. Luann woke up in the hospital in the New Year and was told she’d gone into cardiac arrest at the gym. Off duty Columbus Police officer Brandon Harmon who was also working out that morning, got the gym’s AED and started working to try and save Luann’s life. Brandon and other bystanders at the gym performed CPR until Violet Township EMS arrived. Thanks to his training he knew exactly what to do and how critical time is during Sudden Cardiac Arrest. “Seconds matter and I knew this lady was in serious condition.” Harmon said.
Violet Township paramedic Jason Smith says making use of an AED in situations like these can be the difference between life and death. “It almost doubles survival rates any time in the event of a cardiac arrest event that bystanders initiate CPR and can apply an AED and defibrillate the patient prior to arrival,” says Smith.
Luann is doing better now but was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called CPVT. Until that day Luann was an active, healthy member of the gym, and wants people to know how important it is to check on your heart. “I highly suggest get your family’s background, your heart conditions. If you know it, please please go get your heart screened,” adds Sourintha.
To read the full article visit: Woman Surives Cardiac Arrest After Off Duty Columbus Police Officer Uses Aed At Gym
If you are exercising at a health club and your heart goes into a potentially fatal rhythm, your survival, just like Luann’s, may depend on a shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED.) Not all states are required to have one present in gyms and health studios. The American Heart Association encourages AEDs at all types of fitness centers, but specifically recommends them for centers that cater to people at higher risk of cardiac events (senior citizens, people with disabilities, centers for cardiac rehabilitation, etc.)
Should you ask if your gym has an AED? Yes. And maybe even choose your health club accordingly. To find out if your state requires AEDs in athletic facilities visit: Aed Legislation
For additional information, questions, or purchasing options for the LIFEPAK 1000, please reach out to us at www.aed.us or call 800-695-1209.
Sources
- Fox 28 Columbus. “Woman survives cardiac arrest after off-duty Columbus Police officer uses AED at gym.” My Fox28 Columbus. 17 April 2019.
Written by Blaire Czarniecki
Customer Service Director
Fact checked by Phillip Woods, BA, NREMT-P, FP-C
Blaire attended the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology- Child and Family Studies. She has been in the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) industry for over eight years and is the Director of Customer Service for Coro Medical. Blaire is also an American Red Cross-certified CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, highly trained by each manufacturer on their specific AEDs, and knowledgeable regarding ALL State AED regulations and legislation.
“I know that every day I come to work, I am playing a part in saving someone’s life. I am passionate about these devices and am always looking for new and innovative ways to spread awareness and knowledge about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). I look forward to the day when everywhere I go, I will see an AED—when SCA will no longer take any lives.”
Last updated April 17, 2019