May 22, 2023

CPR-Trained Cyclist Resuscitates Man Whose Heart Stopped and the Importance of CPR Training

Updated: May 31, 2023

Christopher Holton (center) collapsed on a trail during a walk and was saved by two cyclists, Bryan Buckley (left) and Isang Isang. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Buckley)

A week after receiving a clean bill of health during his annual physical, Christopher Holton embarked on his daily walk along a popular wooded trail in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Little did he know that this routine walk would soon turn into a life-threatening event. It was a chance encounter with Bryan Buckley, a cyclist with emergency training, that ultimately saved Holton's life. Their inspiring story sheds light on the critical importance of CPR and the profound impact that human connection can have in times of crisis.

On that fateful day, Holton, a 52-year-old former youth football league coach, had set out for his walk alone. As he traversed the paved trail, enjoying the tranquil surroundings, he suddenly wobbled and collapsed. Luckily, Buckley and his friend, Isang Isang, were cycling the trail that morning and witnessed the distressing scene.

With his emergency training from his days as a lifeguard, Buckley swiftly sprang into action. He rushed to Holton's side and noticed alarming symptoms—a shaking hand, bleeding lip, and lack of response. Recognizing the severity of the situation, he instructed Isang to call 911. As they awaited the ambulance, Holton's condition rapidly deteriorated, gasping for air and losing consciousness.

Buckley, determined to keep Holton alive, took charge. He monitored Holton's pulse, which eventually faded away. He started the timer on his smartwatch, signaling the beginning of his lifesaving efforts. Chest compressions became his lifeline to Holton's survival, and he rallied the gathering crowd to assist, even enlisting the help of a bystander trained in CPR.

Minutes stretched like an eternity as Buckley, Holton's unexpected savior, continued administering chest compressions. The collective prayers and encouragement of onlookers filled the air. Finally, the ambulance arrived, its arrival serving as a beacon of hope. Paramedics swiftly took over, utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED) to jolt Holton's faltering heart back into rhythm. With bated breath, Buckley and Isang watched as their friend was loaded into the ambulance, yearning for his survival.

While Holton's life hung in the balance, the cause of his sudden cardiac arrest remained a mystery. Medical professionals conducted thorough examinations, only to find no blockages in his heart. For two weeks, Holton remained in a nearby hospital, closely monitored by doctors. During his stay, a defibrillator was implanted as a precautionary measure. This device would act as a safeguard, correcting any irregularities in his heart rhythm should they occur again.

The ICU became Holton's disorienting reality upon awakening. He struggled to comprehend the passage of time, heavily sedated and unaware of the days that had slipped by. Fourteen long days had passed, leaving him with more questions than answers. Gratitude overwhelmed him as he reflected on the fortuitous presence of Buckley and Isang during that life-altering moment. He realized how close he had come to losing the precious opportunity to witness his children grow up.

Holton's recovery provided an opportunity for him to reconnect with Buckley, the man who had saved his life. A heartfelt video call arranged by a rescue squad officer brought the two together, and their immediate bond was palpable. The shared experience forged a deep connection between them, reminding them of the fragility and beauty of life. In February, they had the chance to meet in person when they received the Mechanicsville VolunteerRescue Squad Life Saving Award for their extraordinary efforts. The emotional reunion solidified their friendship and served as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact that can result from a single act of compassion and knowledge.

Since that life-altering day on the trail, Holton has resumed his regular walks, cherishing every step as a testament to his second chance at life. He remains vigilant about his heart health, attending regular appointments with his cardiologist to ensure his well-being. Holton's gratitude towards Buckley and the lifesaving skills he possessed is immeasurable, as their encounter serves as a constant reminder of the importance of being prepared for unforeseen emergencies.

Buckley, deeply moved by the experience, has made it his mission to spread awareness about the significance of CPR training. As a regional board member for the American Heart Association, he has become an advocate for equipping individuals with the necessary skills to handle critical situations. Inspired by his encounter with Holton, Buckley has convinced several family members and friends to enroll in CPR training courses, empowering them to become potential lifesavers in their own communities.

The trail incident served as a turning point in both Holton's and Buckley's lives. Holton, grateful for his survival, now embraces each day with a renewed sense of purpose and cherishes the moments he gets to spend with his children. Meanwhile, Buckley's perspective on life has undergone a profound shift. The experience propelled him to embark on a new path, starting his own life coaching business and pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree. Motivated by the impact a collective effort can have, Buckley is determined to make a substantial difference in the world.

Their intertwined journeys highlight the indomitable spirit of the human heart and the potential for hope and resilience even in the face of life's most unexpected challenges. The trail incident serves as a poignant reminder of the value of human connection, the power of knowledge, and the lifesaving potential that lies within each and every one of us through CPR training. In a world where every second counts, being equipped with the skills to save a life can truly make a difference when it matters most.

Source: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/07/12/his-heart-stopped-while-walking-a-trail-a-cyclist-who-knew-cpr-saved-his-life

Learn, Enjoy, and Save Life. Healthforce Training Center offers CPR Training and certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advance Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS), CPR AED, Pediatric First Aid CPR AED, and First Aid CPR AED.