Nov 27, 2008 10:55 am US/Eastern
Defibrillator Saves Man's Life On Thanksgiving
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Rick Kezima is especially grateful he's alive to enjoy his blessings this Thanksgiving. He was out playing touch football with his sons and some friends last Thanksgiving when he suddenly collapsed.
WBZ
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season -- one of the most festive times of year -- but it can also be one of the deadliest.
More people suffer heart attacks during November and December, partly because they're eating and drinking more than normal and have a lot of extra stress.
David Wade talks to one local man who is lucky to be alive and hopes his story will help save others.
THANKSGIVING HEART SCARE Rick Kezima is especially grateful he's alive to enjoy his blessings this Thanksgiving.
He was out playing touch football with his sons and some friends last Thanksgiving when he suddenly collapsed. His heart had stopped beating. "I was going out for a pass, next thing I remember I was being wheeled out of surgery at Mass. General."
But luckily, one of Rick's friends is a state trooper. He started performing CPR right away. "They thought I was messing around, but he saw my eyes glazed over and knew just what to do," said Rick.
And that trooper's wife sells portable
defibrillators and actually had one in her car. So they used the device to keep Rick's heart beating until the EMTs got there. "She sells them, but never used on before but she did it and showed anyone can use one," explained Rick.
RUSHED INTO SURGERY
Rick was eventually rushed to Mass. General Hospital where he underwent an emergency operation to bypass five of the vessels to his heart.
Mass. General's Dr. Bruce Rosengard performed Rick's life-saving operation. He explains, "Rick had an arrhythmic death, it was caused by an acute blockage of his main artery."
Rick says he realizes how lucky he is to be alive and spending thanksgiving with family.
He hopes his story will help save others. He explains, "Now it's really starting to really hit me. It makes you appreciate things. People do take life for granted."
TRYING TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE
After Rick's amazing case, Dr. Rosengard and his wife now have portable defibrillators in their home and cars and now their kids are lobbying to get the devices at every athletic event and practice in the state.
LOWER YOUR RISK THIS HOLIDAY SEASONBe sure to limit how much salt, alcohol and other holiday treats you consume.
Try to get plenty of rest and exercise and if you feel any symptoms, get to a hospital right away.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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