Bill McBride in fair condition after suffering cardiac arrest

AP ^ | 10-02-03 | By DIRK LAMMERS

[AAABEST]

TAMPA — Former gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride remained hospitalized in fair condition Wednesday, one day after he suffered sudden cardiac arrest while jogging and had his heart restarted with electric shock.

McBride, who lost to Gov. Jeb Bush last November, just completed a workout on a treadmill at Harbor Island Health Club when he passed out on a nearby stretching mat.

Longtime friend Bob Bolt said doctors were still trying to determine what caused McBride's heart to stop. Initial tests showed no abnormalities and McBride, 58, was in good spirits Wednesday at Tampa General Hospital, Bolt said.

"He was sitting up in bed. He was asking for his second bowl of cereal," said Bolt, managing partner of the Tampa law firm where McBride is a partner.

After health club employees called 911, they used CPR, oxygen and an automated external defibrillator to help McBride, club general manager Donna Everhart said.

Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Bill Wade said the machines treat ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which a patient is not breathing and without a pulse — essentially suffering sudden death. If the machine detects the condition, it warns the operator to stand back and delivers a shock to the heart.

Many health clubs, schools, government buildings, airports and businesses have bought the machines in recent years, which can cost up to $5,000.

"Minutes count," Wade said. "Anything over four to six minutes, the chances of survival drop off dramatically."

McBride's wife Alex Sink called the health club Wednesday morning to thank employees for their efforts, Everhart said.

McBride defeated former Attorney General Janet Reno in the Democratic primary but lost to Bush, the Republican incumbent.

McBride joined the Barnett, Bolt, Kirkwood & Long law firm this month.

McBride was managing partner of Tampa-based Holland & Knight, one of the nation's most prestigious firms, before leaving in June 2001 to run for governor.

[MJY1288]

Prayers for Bill McBride and his family are on the way, All politics aside, I hope he will be blessed with a full recovery and return to a normal life with his family

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[Squantos]

Awesome machines.........Lots of lives are saved with these things. Not like the old days when we had to use jumper cables............:o)

Stay Safe !

[AAABEST]

ping

[Moonman62]

Awesome machines.........Lots of lives are saved with these things.

They seem like a very good investment. Much better than CPR alone.

[Squantos]

Haven't seen a down side of these things yet cept that they aren't taught/demonstrated at CPR classes. I know they are basic and easy with picture graphic instructions pretty much . Would just be nice to see the price come down and available to mom and pop stores and homes ect ect......

Stay Safe !

[Imal]

Ouch! Bummer, that, but great to hear Bill made it.

Gotta get me one of those machines, for those rare occasions when I accidentally mistake something the New York Times prints for actual news.

[Timesink]

Would just be nice to see the price come down and available to mom and pop stores and homes ect ect......

Don't worry, this day is coming. My guess is that within five years most people over the age of 50 with even a slight risk of heart problems will have one in their own homes, after the price comes down as you said.

[freeparoundtheclock]

Do you remember that Fla's Governor Chiles collapsed alone in his gym behind the Gov.'s mansion and since he didn't have a security detail accompany him to the gym, he died there and they found him a couple of hours later when they noticed he was missing. That was by an exercycle. People need to be careful on treadmills - we are not machines.

Anyway, Jeb had already won the election for his first term but the guy Jeb beat, Buddy McKay actually served as Governor before Jeb was sworn in. We had three governors from December - January. Kind of like California.

[OldFriend]

Former Mayor of Life, Ed Koch collapsed at his gym as well.

One wonders why people of a certain age are doing strenuous workouts.

A friend's husband in his late 50s dropped dead at his gym not so long ago.

[NautiNurse]

Thanks for the update. Hats off to the health club employees. They did everything properly.

[Jennifer in Florida]

Prayers sent for Mr. McBride. I found this story buried in the newspaper. You'd think there would be more exposure for a story like this.

[windchime]

Thanks for the update, AAABest.

[Dog Gone]

Health clubs sound dangerous.

[OldFriend]

Strenuous exercise for men over 40 is not such a great idea.....IMO. Swimming, biking, and speed walking might be a better choice.