When Scott Sweigart and Kevin Adams, both technicians in the Biomedical Engineering Department, and Chris George, supervisor Biomedical Engineering, arrived at work on Aug. 26, their morning began like any other day in their department, which services and maintain the various equipment used throughout Lancaster General Hospital. However, this day took a frightening turn when their colleague, Art, collapsed while at his work bench.
Art was not breathing, and he had no pulse. There was little time to think. Sweigart, Adams and George quickly reacted because they knew seconds mattered.
Adams called 911, while Sweigart simultaneously located an AED, which delivers an electrical shock to the heart in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, and worked with George to follow the instructions.
“I followed the AED’s prompts to perform chest compressions. After what seemed like an hour, but was in reality just a few minutes, the Code Blue Team, Emergency Department staff and an EMS crew arrived and took over Art’s care,” explained George.
Art’s colleagues later learned that he had suffered from a widowmaker heart attack, which is caused by a 100 percent blockage of a major artery. Art is recovering from the medical emergency thanks to the quick actions of his colleagues.
“This experience has reminded me of the importance of knowing how to use medical equipment, no matter your role at LG Health,” said George. “While our department does not provide direct patient care, we take care of the equipment that empowers our colleagues to save lives. We were able to act quickly because we are familiar with the equipment, and in turn our co-workers helped take care of us when we needed it most.”