Local heroes recognized after saving man having heart attack
SALISBURY, Md. – “He’s living proof, that CPR works and it’s important,” said nurse Murayah Nieves.
A doctor, a nurse, and two co-workers. All strangers at one point. But now, they’re all connected. After their quick thinking saved the life of a man who was on the brink of death.
“We were just doing our job, that’s what we’re there to do,” said YMCA employee Eric Brumburgh.
For Richard Goodin, October 28th was just like any normal day. He spent it doing the thing he loved the most, swimming at YMCA. But that day, something was off.
“About lap 38, I noticed that I wasn’t feeling the way I usually do,” said Goodin.
And when he got out of the pool to change in the locker room, the former physician’s worst fear became reality.
“I was suspecting heart attack, I know the symptoms, I treated them for years, but I said no, no that doesn’t make sense I’ve never had any kind of problems,” Goodin said.
Goodin collapsed, lying on the ground unresponsive. Luckily, a young boy who saw everything ran to tell his dad, who just happened to be a doctor.
“I found Richard lying down flat so I turned him around and established the fact that he is in arrest, and started CPR,” said Doctor Andres Kovacs.
One by one, more people jumped in to help. Including a nurse and two trained YMCA employees who began CPR.
“Your body kind of takes over, it felt pretty routine, and in hindsight it was really scary and really intense but in the moment it was very much so just following procedure, you don’t really think,” said lifeguard Megan Evans.
“He had God looking out for him. He was in the right spot at the right time,” said Nieves.
On Monday, the city of Salisbury recognized and awarded the hero’s who played a critical role in keeping Goodin alive. Saying that’s it’s so important that more people learn CPR. And as for those who took action, they say just to see Goodin back in good health is the greatest blessing of all.
“It feels good to be recognized, but I think the biggest recognition is that Richard is here,” said Kovacs.
Goodin says he’s back to his normal routine. Swimming and exercising almost daily, but he says he’s taking it slow.And that he’ll forever be grateful for the hero’s who saved his life.
