David St. Pierre, Jr.’s, Sept. 27 workday had just begun when he collapsed with a sudden cardiac arrest. Quick action by his Regeneron coworkers, followed by a response from area first responders, led to a complete recovery for St. Pierre – and a 44th birthday celebration three days later.
“This successful outcome demonstrates what’s possible when training meets teamwork,” said Craig McMillan, executive director, Sand Lake Ambulance. “Mr. St. Pierre’s coworkers recognized an emergency, took immediate action and activated 911 —giving him the critical minutes that made the difference. In Rensselaer County, we know every second counts before ambulance crews arrive. This outcome shows us that lives can be saved when people have the right training, resources and support systems in place. We’re committed to building on this success and strengthening our system so more patients have this same chance at survival.”
“Every year, 350,000 people suffer out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, and only 10 percent survive,” said Michael-Aaron Poindexter, chair of the board of directors of the American Heart Association in the Capital Region, chief program officer at The Regional Food Bank and Senior Pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church. “We’ve been working to create a Nation of Lifesavers, people who know Hands-Only CPR. Because Mr. St. Pierre’s coworkers and the Regeneron staff knew the lifesaving skill of CPR, and because local first responders arrived quickly, he is here today. We want that outcome for everyone who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.”
“I had been at work for about 27 minutes on Sept. 27,” St. Pierre, 10K Upstream Support Tech at Regeneron and Watervliet resident, said. “We were all together, getting our goals for our shift. I had just made a joke, and a coworker said I just slumped over. I’m so thankful I was in the right place at the right time, and people called 911 and started CPR. If I were anywhere else, I might not be here now. I had an artery that was 100 percent blocked and now I have a stent. I was happy to celebrate my 44th birthday three days after my sudden cardiac arrest.”
The American Heart Association and several Rensselaer County elected officials recognized all the rescuers with certificates honoring their role in saving St. Pierre’s life.