83-year-old at ATM fell to the ground after going into cardiac arrest—a passerby’s astute actions saved his life

Being on the lookout for another, even when you're on your usual route, can be life-saving. As mundane as simple acts and chores may seem, vigilance during them could save a life. 83-year-old Daniel Greco is alive thanks to the observant and alert nature of a stranger, Kalie Kerschbaumer, who spotted him collapsed on the floor, according to ABC7 NY. The elderly man was at an ATM on Long Island when he went into cardiac arrest and fell to the ground. To his luck, a passerby spotted him from outside and rushed into action. Her prompt efforts to get help and intervene in time saved the man’s life.

According to Avive, Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United States. Around 350,000 people lose their lives every year due to SCA. 90% of attacks outside of the hospital end up fatal. Prompt action and first aid can make a difference. The American Heart Association noted that if CPR is performed immediately after the person goes into cardiac arrest, the chances of survival can be doubled or tripled. The CCTV footage captured the man alone near the ATM when he collapsed. A few seconds later, Kerschbaumer rushed in with her son and immediately sprang into action. 

She knew everything she did to help would massively affect the chances of the 83-year-old’s survival. As a team member at Northwell NetworkCare, she didn’t have to look far for help. "I saw Mr. Greco on the ground. My instinct kicked in and I knew through my office door that I had access to some of the world's best nurses,” she recalled. She immediately asked the employees to come over and they didn’t spare a second in offering first aid. Nurse Whitney Sinowitz began performing CPR. Two other employees, Samantha Meguluevich and Cristina Farrell, arrived with a defibrillator. 

Yet another worker, Ivonne Recupero, also joined in helping with CPR. They were able to save the man and transport him to a hospital. The footage showed each of them in action as they worked tirelessly to revive him. It was discovered that Greco had multiple blocked arteries in his main heart valve and later had a triple bypass surgery done. "I don't know how you could thank people that saved your life but I'd like to do that in public," the man said. He was soon well and able to meet with the employees who saved his life and render gratitude. "I'm just glad to still be around," he remarked. 

Many praised the employees for their timely action, without which, the consequences would have possibly been fatal. @patrickmcevoy3257 said, “Great job, nurses, on saving the gentleman. One should learn CPR. You never know when you will have to save someone's life. I get retrained every 2 years. Never had to use it, but you never know.” @Miss_liberty_for_all added, “Amazing staff! God bless them.” @desert9567 remarked, “So awesome. The nurses are so great.” @toomb20061 wrote, “Wow, those nurse practitioners are heroes and are adorable.”