DETROIT – An Oklahoma man who survived cardiac arrest while visiting family in Detroit last Christmas Eve returned to the city to celebrate his 80th birthday with some of the people he credits with saving his life.
Leigh Kirkpatrick went into cardiac arrest inside the One Campus Martius building during his visit.
A good Samaritan who knew CPR began performing chest compressions before an emergency medical technician and a security officer joined the effort.
The rescuers used an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore Kirkpatrick’s pulse.
Kirkpatrick needed additional CPR and another shock in the ambulance before doctors were able to continue treating him at the hospital.
He said the quick actions of those who helped him were critical.
“Thanks to the miraculous appearance of an angel, if you will, who knew CPR and was trained in it, he got me oxygen to my brain very quickly,” Kirkpatrick said.
He also credited the AED at the building with playing a major role in his survival.
“Thank God there was one in the building,” Kilpatrick said. “There should be one in every building.”
Kirkpatrick returned to Detroit for his 80th birthday and spent the day with several of the first responders and others who helped save his life.
As a way of giving back, Kirkpatrick and his wife announced they have purchased and will donate five AED units to the city of Detroit.
The city will determine where the devices are needed most.
Kirkpatrick said the people who stepped in to help him last Christmas Eve each played an important role in getting him safely to the hospital.
“To thank each and every one of these people here played a huge role in me getting safely to the hospital,” Kirkpatrick said.