Knowing the basics of CPR, even low-quality CPR from a bystander, can be a lifesaving action for a person in need.

Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-TurnerFor Floyd Lawson, it started off as a normal weekend workout at his local YMCA branch. A veteran, husband, grandfather and gym regular, Lawson usually spends two hours or so at the gym doing cardio, stretching, lifting weights and then a visit to the steam room. To say he is active and in good health is an understatement.

However, on that Saturday in the spring of 2024, Lawson sat up after doing a round of crunches and felt the blood drain from his body.

I thought wow, let me compose myself, Lawson recalled. And that is the last thing I remember. That is until I saw my guardian angel, Dr. Andy.

On that same Saturday at the same YMCA by pure chance, Andrew Edwards, M.D., emergency medicine physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was working out with his son. He saw a group of people gathered around a man on the floor and immediately ran over to help.

I realized what was happening a man had collapsed and was suffering from what appeared to be cardiac arrest so I jumped in to help a medical student and nurse who were already performing CPR on the man, Edwards said. We realized how dire the mans situation was and that it was imperative that early onset and effective CPR and defibrillation were needed.

After CPR was performed for nearly two minutes followed by advised shock via an AED, Lawsons pulse went out again and Edwards did another round of CPR and defibrillation. Once Lawson woke up after nearly 10 minutes, Edwards was immediately able to route EMS to UAB Hospital and give a heads up to the attending in UABs University Emergency Department that Lawson was on the way.

It felt like I was really put in the right place at the right time, Edwards said. Ive been doing this long enough that I went into automation mode; I can help restart someones heart this is my fastball. But outcomes can be variable if bystander CPR isnt administered quickly and effectively. Im really glad we were able to get him to UAB fast, too.

Edwards stresses that every person should know the basics of CPR, as even low-quality CPR from a bystander can be a lifesaving action for a person in need.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating unexpectedly and results in no blood flow to the entire body. Like Lawson, theindividualwill beunresponsive, witheither no signsof breathingor very abnormalbreathing, and no detectable pulse.

Ryan Coute, D.O., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine, outlines what a person should do if they find themselves in a position to administer CPR to a person in need:

Photography: Jennifer Alsabrook-TurnerIt is OK to not provide rescue breaths if you are uncomfortable doing so. Instead, focus on providing chestcompressions until 9-1-1personnel arrive. If providingrescue breaths, givetwo breaths after every 30 chest compressions and repeat until 9-1-1personnel arrive.

If available, use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, and follow its instructions as soon as possible.

CPR is highly effective and can double thelikelihoodof survival for those in cardiac arrest, Coute said. It is very important to begin CPR as soon as possible because survival will decrease byaround10 percent for every minute without CPR.If in the moment you are uncertain of what to do, call 9-1-1 and the medical dispatcher can provide youinstructions over the telephone to helpidentifycardiac arrest and begin the steps for CPR.

At the YMCA that day, Edwards and others performed hundreds of chest compressions. Their quick action undoubtedly saved Lawsons life, and bystanders watching and seeing how quick and simple CPR can be undoubtedly will save others, Lawson thinks.

When I got to UAB, it was clear that I had had a heart attack, Lawson said. I was perfectly healthy, and for this to happen at the gym of all places I was just in the right place at the right time. I truly feel like Dr. Andy is my guardian angel and that God put him there to save my life that day. If I had collapsed anywhere else, I may not be here today.

Since Lawsons heart attack at the YMCA that day, he and Edwards have struck up a friendship. They have much in common, including their faith, and even plan to meet up at the YMCA one day soon for a joint workout when Lawson is back to full health.

I never thought in my life that I would be saved by a complete stranger performing CPR, which is why its so important that everyone knows the basics of CPR I cannot stress that enough, Lawson said. I dont know what I can ever say to Dr. Andy for saving me. Thank you for not giving up on me.

Originally posted here:

CPR and AED save life of man at the gym with help from UAB physician - University of Alabama at Birmingham