Pete O'Dell: A Healthy Guy Who Suddenly Suffered Cardiac Arrest

Meet Pete O'Dell (second from right) and the 3 people who were responsible for saving his life or as Pete puts it “for keeping me around” - Alison Williams, Alex Karaer, and Alex Agrueta all from Washington Sports Club in Alexandria, VA where Pete collapsed on April 16, 2010.

It was Friday afternoon and Pete was at the gym. A former soldier  and lifelong fitness enthusiast, Pete can be described as a healthy guy. A healthy guy who unexpectedly suffered sudden cardiac arrest “in the right place at the right time.”

Luckily, the health club was equipped with an AED and all employees had been trained in CPR/AED skills. One of the gym members saw Pete collapse while working out. When they realized he had no pulse and wasn't breathing the staff immediately started CPR. Someone called 911. At the same time another staff member grabbed the health club’s AED and they ran to Pete’s aid.

The device itself verbally guided them through the necessary steps for placing the pads on Pete’s chest and instructed them to stand clear while it analyzed his heart. The AED then advised Pete’s rescuers to shock him and continue CPR. They followed the AED’s instructions and within a few agonizing minutes, the device told them a shock was no longer needed… Pete began to breathe on his own. The EMTs arrived soon after to take Pete to the hospital for additional care.

Within weeks Pete was back at the gym. This time he was there to thank his rescuers for their quick-thinking and immediate action. Thanks to them Pete can continue his important work in building Information sharing and situational awareness solutions, writing books, and appreciating life.

Pete says about Save A Life Denver, ”Even if only 10% of the 1,000 AEDs donated to your project are used successfully over the coming years, that is 100 lives saved! What an amazing contribution.”

Thanks, Pete, we think you’re amazing, too.