ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Paul Cote from Roswell experienced a cardiac arrest while driving in Woodstock on December 21, 2023.
His wife, Kathy, who was seated beside him, dialed 911 in a state of panic at 12:47 p.m.
Informing the dispatcher, Kathy expressed, “He’s turning blue.”
As per the dispatch report obtained by Atlanta News First, emergency medical technicians reached the scene at 12:52, precisely five minutes post the initial distress call.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) impacts nearly 1,000 adult Americans daily, as per statistics.
Among individuals suffering cardiac arrest outside medical facilities, only 9% survive and are discharged following treatment, based on a study analyzing 124,088 cases.
Within those critical five minutes, several events unfolded that contributed to sustaining Paul until the arrival of first responders at the location where the vehicle came to a halt on North Arnold Mill Road.
During Kathy’s conversation with the dispatchers, another voice chimed in on the 911 call unexpectedly.
“Hey Paul. Hey Paul. Come back with me buddy,” urged Shontia McGill, an ER nurse at Grady Memorial Hospital, who happened to be passing by and stopped to assist.
McGill assisted in removing Paul from the steering wheel and clearing his airway.
Providing updates to the 911 dispatcher, McGill reported, “He is breathing. It is labored.”
Upon the paramedics’ arrival, Paul was swiftly transported to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, reaching the facility at 1:08 p.m., just 21 minutes after the initial distress call.
Kathy recounted that her husband had to be defibrillated six times en route to the hospital.
Paul spent 18 days at the medical center, where he gradually recovered his strength, regained sensation in his body, and resumed breathing normally.
In early February, Paul arranged a meeting at his Roswell residence to formally express his gratitude to Shontia.
Observing Paul walking, McGill remarked in amazement, “You’re up walking.”
Expressing his gratitude, Paul handed Shontia a card as they, along with Kathy, sat together at the dining table reminiscing about the intense moments.
Describing the incident as a miracle, Kathy emphasized the extraordinary nature of Paul’s recovery within six weeks.
Shontia credited her military background with the U.S. Marines for instilling composure in her response to the emergency. She also acknowledged the training received at Grady for equipping her to aid Paul outside a hospital environment.
Acknowledging Shontia’s pivotal role in the lifesaving event, Kathy highlighted the collective heroic efforts of many individuals, including the prompt response from Cherokee County Fire Station 7 in Woodstock and the assistance from another Good Samaritan.
Reflecting on the transformative experience, Paul, aged 60, emphasized his newfound perspective on life, focusing on assisting others and cherishing moments with his family.
“It’s giving back to somebody as (McGill) has given to me. So I’m out there looking to help others as she’s helped me,” shared Paul, sitting alongside Shontia. “It really has changed me.”
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