Man escapes death when neighbor performs life-saving CPR

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., and nine out 10 victims die. However, when bystanders intervene immediately by giving CPR, survival rates can double or triple.

That was the case for Buddy Bayer who had a SCA in his home one afternoon in August while watching a movie with his wife. 64-year-old Buddy escaped death when his 20-year-old neighbor performed life-saving CPR. His neighbor learned CPR from watching popular medical dramas on TV.

Densie Bayer found her husband frozen with his head tilted back, and mouth and eyes open. Panicked, Denise called 911 and ran outside to scream for help. Their 20-year-old neighbor came running, performed CPR and played a major role in saving Buddy’s life.

According to Dr. Peter Monteleone, interventional cardiologist at Seton, the perfect timing and quick actions of Buddy’s neighbor, the paramedics, emergency department staff, interventional cardiologists and medical intensive care unit, Buddy’s life was saved.

Dr. Monteleone performed emergency surgery on Buddy, placing a stent in his blocked artery to improve blood flow. Today, Buddy feels better than ever.

Learn more about CPR and and find training classes here.