How Quick Thinking Prolongs Life During Cardiac Emergency at Maine Gym

A Winthrop gym owner is being recognized for helping to prolong someone’s life attending his gym.

His quick thinking and compassion gave more time for a man’s family to say goodbye, according to WMTW.

Ryan Chamberland, owner of United Fitness in Winthrop.

According to the article, 89 year old Bill Drake was on a stationary bike working out and suffered a cardiac arrest, just before a senior fitness class.

A young woman working out near him, ran for help and told Ryan. Ryan then began CPR immediately while the woman call 911.  

He told WMTW, 

 "I was checking for airways, checking pulse, trying to get him to wake up. I did a couple sternum rubs on him."

He is trained regularly and takes part in his leadership team through CPR and first responder courses. He knew even in this high pressure tense moment exactly what to do .  

Bill was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland. He survived for another week before sadly passing away.

The extra time with Bill meant everything to his wife, Florence and family members.

Florence told WMTW she hopes her husband’s story helps to inspire others to learn CPR and act when moments call for quick responses.

A son of Bill’s specialized as a charge nurse in California and plans to donate an AED, a portable a portable, life-saving medical device used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, to the gym as a deep and heart felt thank-you. 

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Ryan is humbled by the experience saying, 
"Be kind. Help someone. If there's an opportunity to help someone, help them."

Sometimes, those few moments make all the difference. 

If you aren't trained in CPR, this is a very good reminder to always be prepared to help!