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How an AED helped save a life

Thanks to the AED program at Allina Health Heart Safe, Jeff Toomer, owner of New Ulm Crossfit, was able to use an on-site AED to help jump start a member’s heart. He and Jeffrey Allerson, wellness specialist and Heart Safe coordinator at New Ulm Medical Center, are pictured here.

When it comes to a cardiac episode, every second counts. One New Ulm resident learned this valuable lesson earlier this summer at the New Ulm CrossFit, but thanks to the help of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and some quick thinking, not a second was wasted, and he lived to recount his harrowing story.

“I’m thankful I had people around me who had taken the time to become knowledgeable in saving lives,” said John Doe.*

He recalled the incident vividly. He had been attending one of his regular CrossFit classes, and as the class cooled down following their workout, he could feel something was wrong.

“I thought maybe I was just going to faint,” said Doe. Little did he know that his heart had actually stopped. He fell to the floor, alerting the New Ulm CrossFit center owner Jeff Toomer who immediately jumped into action.

“I ran to get the AED, and then started CPR right away,” said Toomer.

Toomer’s efforts were aided by Doe’s son, who was also at class that day. He continued CPR on his dad while Toomer unpacked the AED.

“It was pretty scary,” said Toomer. “But we were fortunate to have that AED here. I don’t know if he would have made it without it. We acted fast but that thing saved his life.”

Toomer acquired the AED after a similar incident at his facility. “I knew then I needed to get one no matter what, but I reached out to see if there was any way to help with the cost.”

Luckily for Doe, there was.

Jeffrey Allerson, wellness specialist, and Heart Safe coordinator at New Ulm Medical Center, works to help organizations purchase AEDs.

“We hope to get rid of the barrier that prevents people from getting an AED,” said Allerson.

In 2004, Allina developed the Heart Safe Program with the goal of reducing the number of people who die from cardiac arrest. This program offers a yearly grant for businesses that helps ease the cost of an AED.

Toomer applied for this grant and received the needed financial support to get an AED for his CrossFit facility.

“I hoped I’d never have to use it, but on that day I was so happy to have it,” said Toomer.

Allerson explained the benefits of having an AED on site: “Acting quickly is so important. Having equipment nearby is a huge advantage. Doing CPR alone means around a 20 to 25 percent survival rate. But having an AED raises the survival rate to around 40 to 45 percent.”

Toomer is thankful for how the incident unfolded and for having some training under his belt, and now he advocates for others to do the same.

“It’s one of those surreal things. I’m glad we had talked about ‘what-ifs’ and worst-case scenarios. No matter how much training, you’re never ready for something like this,” said Toomer. “But it’s important to be as prepared as you can be.”

Thanks to unwavering help and the right resources, Doe was able to return from the hospital and personally thank Toomer and the class for all they had done.

“It was an emotional day. I walked in with a bouquet of flowers and thanked them for saving my life,” said Doe.

Thanks to quick thinking and a solid reaction plan, Doe says he’s feeling better than ever today.

Toomer is hopeful he’ll be able to return to his classes someday. “It really tugs at the heartstrings every time you talk about it. We’re so lucky we had all the pieces together.”

Doe’s heart is beating strong today thanks to a pacemaker and defibrillator. When asked if he had any advice to share, he chuckled and said, “If you’re going to have a heart attack, have it around people that know what they’re doing.”

Fortunately, on that summer day, Toomer and the rest of the CrossFit class were able to say they did.

“I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time,” said Doe.

Would your business benefit from having an AED on site? Please visit our web site at allinahealth.org/numc-aed and complete your form today.

* John Doe is an alias; the New Ulm resident involved wishes to remain anonymous but was happy to tell his story to help others understand the importance of the AED program provided by Allina Health Heart Safe.

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