Not many people can say they’ve met a real-life hero, however, Friday morning Victor Mcguin not only met a hero, he met his hero.
While playing bingo at the Moose Jaw Bingo Hall with his wife, Barb Mcguin, Nov. 17, 2012, Victor complained of indigestion, only to collapse shortly after and go into cardiac arrest.
Shocked by what was happening, Barb could do nothing more than watch as her husband fought for his life. Although 911 was called and the Moose Jaw and District EMS were quick to arrive, according to Mike Slater, one of the paramedics working that night, it was the quick reaction and CPR given by Moose Jaw local, Julia Koudalka, that helped save Victor’s life.
“In this situation, I have to say, the most affective thing that was done to save Victor’s life was the CPR that was administered by (Koudalka) before we got there. And for them to make the decision to start CPR was the single most affective thing that led to the outcome we see here today.”
Slater said it is very rare to see a person not only have a steady heartbeat after going into cardiac arrest, but to have them waking up, while still in the presence of the EMS, is pretty remarkable and he attributes it to Koudalka.
In honor of Heart Month, the Moose Jaw and District EMS brought Victor and Koudalka back together Friday morning, for the first time since Koudalka helped save Victor’s life.
When the two first came together, Koudalka walked over, gave Victor a hug and asked how he was doing.
Victor replied, “good. Thanks to you.”
