Man Has Cardiac Arrest at Cardiologist Ball

AP ^ | Tue Jan 24, 2006

[presidio9]

An elderly man collapsed from cardiac arrest in a ballroom packed with cardiologists and other doctors attending an American Heart Association fundraiser.

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"If you have to go down, that was the place, I guess," said Dr. Richard Westerman, a cardiologist who helped save the man.

The unidentified patient suddenly slumped over during Saturday night's seventh annual "Heart Ball," witnesses said. He had no pulse or blood pressure.

"It looked like he was a goner," said Santa Barbara City Councilman Brian Barnwell, who was among the 300 people attending the $250-a-plate event.

Several doctors sprang into action and revived the man by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Paramedics took him to a hospital.

The patient recovered, Westerman said Monday.

"He was fine," Westerman said. "He was awake. He had a pulse. He was talking."

Cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function, according to the American Heart Association. More than 95 percent of victims die before reaching a hospital, the association says.

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[dfwgator]

"Is there a doctor in the house?"

[Maceman]

I would say he's a lot luckier than the guy who accidentally crashed his car into a plate glass window window behind which was a meeting of the American Bar Association.

[Fiddlstix]

"If you have to go down, that was the place, I guess," said Dr. Richard Westerman, a cardiologist who helped save the man.

That's an understatement.

[RichInOC]

There's quite possibly no better place to have a heart attack...with the possible exception of being in the hospital already.

So cardiologists hold formal balls. Do urologists hold balls, too?

[MarineBrat]

I guess you could almost call it a "stroke" of luck!

[aligncare]

What wasn't reported was the number of doc's that didn't volunteer in the resue for fear of being sued.

[Semper Paratus]

Is that like getting a concussion at the "Head-Bangers Ball"?

[r9etb]

Do urologists hold balls, too?

Shame on you! LOL!

[aligncare]

That's 'rescue'.

[drjimmy]

"Is there a doctor in the house?"

I actually got to utter that line once. I was the guest speaker at a lunch meeting of a local civic group (whose average age was probably about 70), and I was at the lectern giving my spiel to the folks at a couple of long tables that were facing me. I saw one guy start to slump over in his soup, but nobody else noticed because all eyes were on me. After stuttering for a few seconds, I asked "Is there a doctor in the house?" and pointed to the guy, who by now was started to slide to the floor. A member of the wait staff who knew CPR tried to revive him, but by the time the ambulance arrived he was a goner. I guess it didn't traumatize the rest of the group too much, because they invited me to come back later that month to finish my talk!

[theDentist]

One of my closest friends lost his father at a similar convention. Sometimes it doesn't matter if you're sitting next to a doctor, specialist, or a farmer. When it's time, it's time.

[presidio9]

Go easy on him. He's a little nuts.

[spectre]

Cool. Wonder if they sent him a bill? LOL..

sw

[Brilliant]

A true cynic would suggest that he went to the ball because he wanted to have his heart attack where he knew he could get free medical attention.

I know a few cheapskates who would do that.

[r9etb]

Go easy on him. He's a little nuts.

Probably one of those guys who always giggled during finals in school. "Sorry, teacher, I've got test tickles."

[silverleaf]

Several doctors sprang into action and revived the man by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

He may have another heart attack when they all send him their bills.

[Churchillspirit]

My late husband had his first heart attack at a Highland Ball where everyone was in full formal highland wear.

There were several doctors in the room, including the leading cardiologist at a local hospital. It was a mild attack so the doctor took my husband to the hospital in his car.

They made quite an entrance at the emergency room!

[Old Professer]

After 15 seconds, it's called "foreplay."

[Kimmers]

giggle