Heroic Team at Saratoga Hospital Saves Woman’s Life in Parking Lot

Heroes Save Life in Saratoga Parking Lot

Nearly 10 years ago, I lost my best friend, "Poker Joe," to a heart attack because he didn't get to the hospital in time. Oftentimes, I think about the precious hours while he was still alive, battling a cardiac arrest, but too dang stubborn to call 911 or go to the hospital.

Joe was just 41 years old at the time.

It's no secret that it's paramount to seek immediate medical help if you think you're having a cardiac arrest. Studies show that 90% of heart attack casualties are because the person didn't get to the hospital in time.

A team of pulmonologists at Saratoga Hospital watched as a patient collapsed in the parking lot this week, and their quick thinking and skilled action saved a woman's life.

Quick-Thinking Team at Saratoga Hospital

A Facebook post by Saratoga Hospital gave a proper shoutout to the team of heart experts who saved a life this week in the parking lot of the hospital, while writing:

Shoutout to our Saratoga Pulmonology team who actively saved a patient who collapsed in the parking lot with full cardiac arrest. After seeing the patient fall, Michele Turner and Veronica Lammardo immediately stepped in, with Michele calling for help and performing CPR.

Dr. Rodney Ying, Ainley Perez Verdecia, and Jessica Wilson also provided support in the rain until EMS arrived. Their quick actions led to the patient regaining a heartbeat...and she is now able to sit up and walk.

Given the low success rate (1% to 10%) for resuscitating cardiac arrest patients outside hospitals, the team's response was remarkable. Great work!

According to his profile, Dr. Ying has been associated with Saratoga Hospital for over 35 years. Judging by some of the Facebook comments from people familiar with his work, he has saved many lives in the Capital Region over the years.