Gabriel Colin of East Chicago was the guest of honor on February 20 as Franciscan Omni Health and Fitness Schererville staff, all of whom are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and members of the Schererville Fire Department, celebrated the saving of Colin’s life after he suffered cardiac arrest while using a treadmill January 20.
Staff members and two clients rushed to Colin’s aid after he collapsed, and administered CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator to revive him (after having no pulse), just before paramedics arrived and transported him to Franciscan Health Dyer, where he spent a week after having open heart surgery. He now anticipates two months of rehabilitation, after which he hopes to return to his workout routine.
Colin, a 2.5-year club member who is diabetic, said he had worked out for three hours a day, five days a week. He was running on the treadmill and checking his time that day, when he suddenly felt “the lights go out.” When he awakened, “somebody was giving me CPR and I heard voices that I answered, but didn’t open my eyes until I did when the firemen came and I went to the hospital. I don’t remember anything else.”
He had no prior symptoms. “I love it here,” he said of the fitness center. “I can’t wait to come back and work out. I’ve been to other clubs and they are nothing like here.”
Club staff and the fire department have an emergency response plan and train together regularly. For more information about Franciscan Omni Health, call (219) 865-6969.
