A Vernon man considers himself lucky to have survived after he suddenly collapsed from heart failure earlier this month. The case is highlighting the benefits of having the right lifesaving tools on hand when a medical emergency occurs.
In early October Larry Dobson, 71, was playing squash with a friend when he suffered a heart attack and fell to the ground.
“He is trained with CPR and immediately went into action,” said Dobson. “It was an immediate blackout. I was gone.”
When first responders arrived they were able to shock Dobson with an automatic electronic defibrillator (AED).
“I was dead and they shocked me,” said Dobson. “Without it I wouldn’t be here.”
Dobson believes the AED and having someone that knew CPR on hand were big factors in his survival.
Local fire fighters say the device, which shocks the heart back into a normal rhythm, can be the difference between life and death.
“If there is no AED there there is a strong possibility that we will not be able to save that patient, however with an AED there it increases our odds,” said Vernon Fire-Rescue Services captain, Brent Bond.
Athletic club members had talked about installing an AED in the past but after this incident they are moving to get one in place quickly.
As for Dobson. he’s hoping for a quick recovery.
“I was lucky. I will be back hopefully playing squash by Christmas time.”
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