Jun 8, 2023

Importance of CPR Training in the Community: Preventing Hearts from Stopping

Updated: Jun 15, 2023

Dr. Steven Lome (left) with Greg Gonzales (center) and Michael Heilemann. (Photo courtesy of Michael Heilemann)

In a remarkable display of heroism and medical expertise, Dr. Steven Lome found himself at the forefront of a life-saving event during the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. As he ran the race, his focus was on his two teenage children, Jadyn and Ian, who were leading the pack. Little did he know that his attention would soon shift to two individuals in desperate need of CPR.

Around the three-mile mark, Dr. Lome noticed a man collapse just ahead of him. Acting swiftly, he and two other CPR-trained individuals took turns performing chest compressions for six critical minutes. Their efforts paid off when an automated external defibrillator arrived, restoring a sustainable heart rhythm with a single shock. Dr. Lome, the medical director of a local cardiology group, made sure to inform the attending cardiologist about the incident, leaving him in disbelief that the person on the phone was also the one who had performed the life-saving CPR.

Despite the intensity of the situation, Dr. Lome made the decision to continue running after ensuring the patient was in good hands. Little did he know that another cardiac arrest was waiting for him at the finish line. This time, he acted alone, initiating CPR on a man who had collapsed moments after crossing the finish line. With the help of an AED, the man's heart rhythm was restored, and he was rushed to the hospital, just like the previous patient. Dr. Lome wasted no time and contacted the same cardiologist he had spoken to earlier, astonishingly informing him of yet another life he had saved.

The significance of Dr. Lome's actions became evident to him in the days that followed. He took to social media to share his story, not only to emphasize the importance of CPR training and the presence of automated external defibrillators but also to spread a more comprehensive message. He highlighted the need to prioritize preventive measures and to focus on avoiding cardiac arrests altogether. While the medical community naturally emphasizes the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle, what sets Dr. Lome's message apart is his personal experience.

Dr. Lome had been an individual who neglected his diet and avoided exercise, resulting in an unhealthy lifestyle and weight gain. However, a moment of realization spurred him to make a profound change. He embarked on a journey to transform his own health, adopting a plant-based diet and embracing regular physical activity. Witnessing the transformative power of a heart-healthy lifestyle firsthand, he redirected his medical practice to educate patients about prevention and the role of diet and exercise in avoiding heart disease.

Through his website and nonprofit organization, Dr. Lome has become an advocate for healthy eating and lifestyle changes to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. His focus is on empowering individuals to take charge of their health by making informed choices. He believes that prescribing medications and intervening only when disease manifests is not enough. Instead, he encourages proactive steps to prevent heart disease from occurring, underscoring the potential consequences of ignoring warning signs.

Dr. Lome's extraordinary experience of resuscitating two individuals in rapid succession during a race showcases the need for widespread CPR training in the community. While his actions were extraordinary, anyone trained in CPR could potentially save a life in a similar situation. The ability to respond promptly and effectively in emergencies can mean the difference between life and death. By equipping more people with CPR skills, communities can create a network of lifesavers ready to act when it matters most.

The events of that race day served as a poignant reminder of the importance of early intervention and the profound impact a heart-healthy lifestyle can have on overall well-being. Dr. Lome's journey from an overweight cardiologist to an advocate for prevention and a beacon of hope is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of personal experiences. It underscores the fact that anyone, regardless of their background or profession, can become a catalyst for change and make a significant impact in the lives of others.

Dr. Steven Lome's heroic acts during the Monterey Bay Half Marathon shed light on the crucial role of CPR training and the availability of automated external defibrillators in saving lives. His personal journey of embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle further emphasizes the importance of prevention in reducing the incidence of cardiac arrests. As his story reverberates throughout the community and beyond, it serves as a powerful reminder of the need for widespread CPR training, promoting a culture of preparedness and empowering individuals to become lifesavers in times of crisis. By working together to prioritize prevention and equip ourselves with life-saving skills, we can strive towards a healthier and safer future for all.

Source: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/02/17/next-feat-for-doc-who-gave-cpr-to-2-runners-in-1-race-preventing-more-hearts-from-stopping 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.