Richmond resident John Jenks rescued by an untrained bystander after collapsing
On a peaceful morning, John Jenks went out on his routine ride to watch the sunrise.
One moment, Jenks was riding his bike across the Nickel Bridge in Richmond, Virginia.
The next, he woke up in the hospital, unable to recall what happened.
Unbeknownst to him, Jenks had experienced a sudden cardiac arrest and collapsed.
The diagnosis came as a shock because he had experienced no warning signs.
“I experienced no chest pain or shortness of breath. I just collapsed,” Jenks said. “The next thing I remember was waking up in the emergency room.”
The reason Jenks made it to the emergency room was a man named Mattias Clouse, a bystander who witnessed Jenks lying on the ground. Clouse had no proper training, but he jumped in immediately.
“I called 911. He was turning blue, and I asked, ‘What can I do?’ She instructed me on how to perform CPR, and that’s what I did,” Clouse said.
Minutes later, paramedics arrived and used an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to help restore Jenks’ heart rhythm.
A healthier way forward
After his cardiac arrest, Jenk’s made the most of his second chance at life.
“I feel like I’m in better shape now than I’ve been in 30 years. Truly a miracle.”
Jenks continues to ride his bike between 10 and 20 miles a day, with the hope that he will be able to ride to the Outer Banks this summer.
Jenks is also incredibly thankful to Clouse for saving his life. The fact that he didn’t hesitate, despite not knowing how he could help, is something Jenks will never forget.
“He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going on a beach trip with us,” Jenks said.
They plan to take a vacation this summer to celebrate their newfound friendship.
Every second matters
Jenks’ story is a prime example of how every second counts during a sudden cardiac arrest.
Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the United States, and 90% are fatal.
Jenks is fortunate enough to be a part of the 10% who survive, thanks to the actions of Clouse and the paramedics who followed.
Reminder during Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month; it highlights the importance of knowing how to respond to cardiac emergencies.
Seven in 10 people in the United States say they feel powerless to act during a cardiac emergency. As a result, less than half of all people who experience a sudden cardiac arrest receive CPR from a bystander before professional help arrives.
Jenks’ story demonstrates why bystanders can make a difference during cardiac emergencies. Calling 911 right away, starting CPR and using an AED when available can drastically improve a person’s chances of survival before paramedics arrive.
For more information on sudden cardiac arrest, visit heart.org/nationoflifesavers.