Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2018

KH . ORG 13 DavidWyatt participates in cardiac rehab at Kootenai Health with Eddy Hancock, cardiopulmonary rehab specialist. David and his wife, Dawn, following Race the River in 2017. nearby, and then he said everything went black. “I watched David in the water and thought he was moving slowly, but he looked like he could make it to the finish,” Tony Koch, Kootenai Health employee health coordinator and Race the River volunteer, said. “He rolled onto his back at one point and took a deep breath, then stopped and started to sink. I could see that he was in trouble and started to head into the water to get him.” The volunteer kayaker was able to hold him above water until Tony reached him. Together, they pulled David to shore and Tony began CPR. After just a couple of minutes, paramedics with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department arrived with an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a sophisticated, easy-to-use medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. Quick responseandcare “David’s good health combined with the extraordinarily fast response time was key to saving his life,” Tony said. “The race coordinators did a great job of creating a safety plan and getting the right folks involved. We were able to respond quickly and follow the plan. It was a combined effort from everyone.” Thanks to the early response of race volunteers and emergency medical services staff, David was transported to Kootenai, where he received care until he was cleared for heart surgery. “They didn’t just care for David, they cared for me as well,” Dawn said. “The fire department found me on the course and took me to meet David at the hospital. The staff there treated us like family.” Careat thehighest level The Tuesday following the race, David underwent triple bypass surgery performed by Steven Nisco, M.D., with Northwest Heart and Lung Surgical Associates. He credits his fast recovery to the quick response and quality of care he received throughout his entire experience. “The level of safety and professionalism by the first responders, race officials, Dr. Nisco and the staff at Kootenai was amazing,” David said. “Every step of the way I’ve been cared for at the highest level.” Dan’s, Ashley said AEDs can increase the probability of survival by up to 40 percent. “When Julie went to get the AED, there was a physician who noticed what was happening and followed her back,” Ashley said. “Performing CPR can be exhausting, and he was able to relieve me when I got tired. Considering the situation, everything played out ideally. Other class participants called 911, and having that AED on-site saved Dan’s life.” After arriving at the hospital, Dan underwent heart surgery within the hour. His surgeon, Aaron Notestine, M.D., with Kootenai Heart Clinics Northwest, told him it was remarkable how little damage there was to his heart. “It was a serendipitous day—having the right people there to help and having the AED available. It’s because of everyone’s quick response and access to the AED that I survived,” Dan said. “I’ve become an advocate for places having AEDs since this experience. Without that, I would have had a lot more damage.” CPRknowledge is lifesavingknowledge A recent study by the American Heart Association involved patients who experienced cardiac arrest outside the home. When AED shock therapy wasn’t used, 70 percent either died or survived with impaired brain function. “Knowing basic lifesaving skills, like CPR and AED use, makes all the difference,” Ashley said. “Everyone should make an effort to learn these skills. You never know when they might be needed.” Save a life You can sign up for CPR and first aid classes through the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center. Sign up by visiting nic.edu/wtc or calling (208) 769-3333 . Tony Koch