ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A Publix worker was saved after he went into cardiac arrest last month in Orange County, according to Orange County Fire Rescue.
In a release, fire officials said the incident happened on June 14 in the Publix store at the Cornerstone at Summerport shopping center.
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At the time, the worker — 39-year-old Chad — was on his shift when he went into cardiac arrest, prompting the manager to use an AED on him, the release shows.
Within minutes, first responders arrived at the Publix store and treated Chad as they rushed him to the hospital, fire officials added.
“Miraculously, Chad survived and was discharged home to his wife and 4-year-old son on June 25,” the release reads.
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On Friday, Chad and his family reunited at the fire station with the first responders who came to the rescue.
“The crew and family were also joined by the Publix Manager, Sean, who played a crucial role in giving Chad the best possible chance of survival by immediately locating the AED and delivering those lifesaving shocks,” the release continues.
According to the American Heart Association, 9 out of 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED within the first minute survive the incident.
“Bystander intervention can mean the difference between life and death,” fire officials said. “AED-use is often included in CPR training and is designed for easy use. The devices have become increasingly more available and can frequently be found in stores, schools, gyms, airports, shopping centers and other public places.”
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