This is off-topic but I wanted to share the miracle on my street. Last Sunday afternoon Robert, a 52 year old active neighbor collapsed in his driveway while shooting baskets. Luckily, a boy next door saw him fall and told his mom (Kim) there was something wrong. Kim frantically called 911 on her cell while running down the street yelling for help. Thankfully, it was a nice weekend and Don (another neighbor) was outside. Don is a school administrator, recently trained with the latest CPR procedures so he was able to quickly start CPR on Robert (who had no pulse).
The fire station is relatively close so they arrived quickly but there were still so many agonizing minutes. The paramedics took over CPR and had to shock Robert’s heart a couple of times. The firemen told Sandy (Robert’s wife) to call their kids and family. Sandy’s sisters live nearby, but
Thankfully, the paramedics were able to get Robert’s heart beating again–after many agonizing minutes. They started an IV in the driveway and took him to the hospital. All the while, most of us neighbors stood by watching and praying.
At the hospital they performed Induced Hypothermia — which I had not heard about before. Robert’s body temperature was lowered to about 90-91 degrees and he was sedated for several days. Then they increased his body temp and eliminated the sedation drugs. They removed the breathing tube and soon Robert was breathing on his own. Then, he was responding to others. Finally after many days and agonizing hours for the family he was able to talk too. Tonight I hear he looked and sounded great and ate his first meal.
His kids brought pictures to the hospital of the family and pets. Plus they have some new rules for Dad playing basketball — they include wearing a bell around his neck, a helmet and more.
It was a miracle on my street.
Life is precious and we shouldn’t take it for granted.