Two Lives Saved: Dale and Gary’s Heart Attack Story
When Dale and Gary faced their most critical moments, the quick actions of their loved ones and the expert care at St. Elizabeth Healthcare became their lifelines.
Dale’s quiet morning and Gary’s routine daily walk were interrupted by life-threatening heart attacks, sending their wives into action. Both stories have a common thread: the vital role of hands-only CPR performed by family members with no medical background but armed with knowledge and determination.
Dale and Gary’s stories show how bravery, quick thinking and excellent medical care can save lives.
Q: Why did you choose St. Elizabeth?
Choosing St. Elizabeth Healthcare was easy for Dale and Gary’s families because of its excellent reputation for treating heart problems.
Dale had a massive heart attack, and his wife’s quick response and CPR efforts were crucial in the critical moments following. Once they arrived at St. Elizabeth, Dale was cared for by a team who refused to give up on him despite the odds.
Gary suffered a massive heart attack that led to a stent placement. He shares how the quick action of his wife performing hands-only CPR helped save his life, and the expertise of the cardiac cath lab and rehabilitation teams got him on the road to recovery.
“I’m here because of Terri’s quick action using hands-only CPR and the amazing team at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. They’re the reason I have this second chance at life.”
Dale, Heart Attack SurvivorQ: How did you prepare for a potential heart problem?
Dale, aware of his family’s history of heart disease, gets regular exercise and maintains a healthy diet while also ensuring his wife, Terri, knows what steps to take in case of cardiac arrest. Terri, not formally trained in CPR, learned the crucial skill of hands-only CPR, a decision that proved lifesaving when Dale needed it most.
After retiring, Gary joined his wife Heather in her fitness regimen, walking daily and adopting a healthier lifestyle. Heather, a substitute teacher, regularly updated her CPR training, never realizing how critical it would be until she used it to save Gary’s life.
Their proactive approach to health, being prepared, and the quick response of their spouses remind us of the importance of regular health checks and learning CPR. “Their spouses’ immediate response performing CPR helped save their lives,” says interventional cardiologist Kevin Miller, MD. “It’s important to know that, while some have formal CPR training, you don’t have to be certified in CPR to step in and help a person in need.”
Q: What was your experience like at St. Elizabeth Healthcare?
Despite the fear and uncertainty they faced during those initial hours, the expertise and commitment of the heart and vascular team were instrumental in navigating Dale and Gary through life-threatening damage. “The team showed their commitment to not only saving my life but preserving the quality as well,” Dale says of the experience.
Similarly, Gary’s lifesaving journey was marked by immediate and comprehensive care. The stent placement performed by Dr. Miller and the continuous support from Gary’s nurse practitioner, Alicia Rice, APRN, are examples of the seamless, patient-centered approach for which St. Elizabeth is known. And Gary’s participation in a structured cardiac rehabilitation program not only helped in his physical recovery but also offered him emotional support and a sense of community with others who had experienced similar heart problems.
“Heather’s CPR helped save my life and was the critical first step before the expert care at St. Elizabeth Healthcare turned a near-tragedy into recovery and hope.”
Gary, Heart Attack SurvivorQ: What are you most thankful for during your heart care experience?
What stands out most is the collective support and the lifesaving interventions, starting from the moment of crisis. “I am deeply thankful for the quick response and skilled care from the first responders — the deputy sheriff, the paramedics and the medical professionals who played a crucial role in my survival,” says Dale. “Yet, most importantly, we are thankful for each other, and my gratitude extends to Terri for her quick thinking and refusal to give up on me during those critical moments,” Dale says. “Her actions saved my life and reinforced our bond, reminding us of the preciousness of every moment we share.”
“I’m thankful for my community and that God put everybody in the right place at the right time,” says Heather. “My neighbor’s son was outside playing and heard me yelling for help, then when the EMTs arrived, they jumped right in and then the care Gary received at St. Elizabeth was remarkable.” Gary agrees, saying, “It’s a blessing to have that come together, and if Heather didn’t know what to do and didn’t have the persistence and emotional stability, my outcome would have been different. Our wives are heroes.”
Q: What is the most memorable part of your experience that you want to share with others?
Dale and Gary’s journey with St. Elizabeth was filled with many unforgettable moments. Dale says, “The care, the expertise, the compassion and the attention is remarkable.”
Heather says their gratitude is immense, “It’s all these efforts combined – from a stent placement to rehab – that made it possible for Gary to survive and thrive.”
Q: What advice would you give someone in a similar situation?
“I recommend to people, especially those with a family history of a heart condition, to learn CPR and be proactive about their health,” says Dale. “It’s also important to immediately recognize and act on any warning signs. Regular check-ups with your provider and your cardiologist, if you have one, will help you stay informed about your heart’s health.”
Gary says it’s important to advocate for yourself. “Speak up if you’re not feeling well and have a plan in place. Learn CPR, it can save a life.” And health screenings can provide insights into your heart health. “I’ve undergone cardiac screenings like the coronary calcium scan, which can identify potential issues before they become an emergency, giving you time to start working towards a solution.”
