Today at the Arizona state meet legend Ron Johnson after setting a new American Record in the 200 breastroke suffered a severe heart attack in the warm down pool. Thankfully the lifeguards and masters swimmer/physician Kurt Dickson and others we're able to start immediate life support until paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital
As of 5pm this evening all I know is that Ron had had regained consciousness, appeared to have not suffered brain damage and was breathing on his own...however he did have 5-6 clogged arteries and was going into immediate open heart surgery.....please send your prayers and thoughts this evening for his recovery....
Paul,
As many know, two years ago at our Pac Champs we lost Brendon Wen in the warm up pool after the 1000, and the meet of his life. That prompted us (Pacific LMSC) to make sure an AED was available in the future at Pacific meets. Last year 80-something year old Richard Smith (also on our team) had a heart attack. AED and amazing first responders saved him. (He's fine today and as feisty as ever!).
I have several points:
That's such a scary thing to happen to everyone involved, and I'm so sorry.
The first reponsders make all the difference in the overall chance for survival. (We lost one, and saved one)
Arizona's LMSC might now want to look into the AED availability at all practices and meets. Here at Pacific we had a very successul survey sent out to the entire membership (after Brendon's death) and learned very valuable information. It did in fact save a life the very next time it was needed.
My Dad, almost 81 (next month) has been battling cancer and numerous bouts of pneumonia, due to bedrest and lack of exercise for the last 6 years, I'm bettin' on Ron to pull through this just fine :)
Lastly, my prayers are with Ron and his family, friends, and teammates as well.
Paul,
As many know, two years ago at our Pac Champs we lost Brendon Wen in the warm up pool after the 1000, and the meet of his life. That prompted us (Pacific LMSC) to make sure an AED was available in the future at Pacific meets. Last year 80-something year old Richard Smith (also on our team) had a heart attack. AED and amazing first responders saved him. (He's fine today and as feisty as ever!).
I have several points:
That's such a scary thing to happen to everyone involved, and I'm so sorry.
The first reponsders make all the difference in the overall chance for survival. (We lost one, and saved one)
Arizona's LMSC might now want to look into the AED availability at all practices and meets. Here at Pacific we had a very successul survey sent out to the entire membership (after Brendon's death) and learned very valuable information. It did in fact save a life the very next time it was needed.
My Dad, almost 81 (next month) has been battling cancer and numerous bouts of pneumonia, due to bedrest and lack of exercise for the last 6 years, I'm bettin' on Ron to pull through this just fine :)
Lastly, my prayers are with Ron and his family, friends, and teammates as well.
