Adrian Ramirez, a resident of South Jordan, Utah, experienced cardiac arrest during a Veterans Day Ruck March in Saratoga Springs last month. The 61-year-old was participating in the event with friends and family to honor military service members when he began feeling unwell and collapsed three miles into the march.
Francisco Ramirez, Adrian’s adopted son and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, immediately responded by performing CPR after finding his father had no pulse. Other participants assisted by calling emergency services, elevating Adrian’s feet to help blood pressure, and providing shade.
Unified Fire and Lehi Fire crews arrived at the scene to begin treatment. Medical personnel determined that Adrian was suffering from a STEMI—a serious type of heart attack—due to a 95% blockage in his Left Anterior Descending artery (LAD), often referred to as “the widowmaker.” According to medical professionals, survival rates for cardiac arrest caused by a blocked LAD are low.
Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point prepared its team for Adrian’s arrival. After initial care in the Emergency Department, he underwent heart catheterization in the Cath Lab where doctors placed a stent in his blocked artery. Following the procedure and one day of recovery, Adrian was discharged home.
Adrian later returned to Holy Cross Hospital – Mountain Point to thank those involved in saving his life. Addressing an audience of about 40 people including EMS staff and hospital workers, he said: “If it wasn’t for people like you, I wouldn’t have had a shot. You guys are heroes, man. I literally owe you my life. Thank you. Bless you all.”
At an event recognizing their efforts, Gavin Harris—the hospital’s EMS liaison—presented Great Save Awards to Francisco Ramirez and three EMS professionals.
