Gino Marcantonio has two reasons to be thankful for the elements that contributed to saving his life during a heart attack on Jan. 21 at his mother’s residence. The progression of technology and the combination of luck and his stepfather’s CPR expertise are both vital factors in his survival.
A 41-year-old dispatcher for Sack Energy from New Britain, Marcantonio encountered chest pains after his usual Sunday morning routine, which involved a gym visit followed by breakfast with his mother and stepfather. Initially attributing the discomfort to a strenuous workout, he sought a moment of rest, only to unexpectedly collapse, leading to his hospitalization at Hartford Hospital.
The prompt and skillful CPR performed by his stepfather, Rich Lagueux, a former military medic, played a crucial role in sustaining Marcantonio until the arrival of emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Subsequently, the use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) created a vital window for clot-dissolving medication to address the root cause of his heart attack.
Dr. Abhishek Jaiswal from Hartford HealthCare emphasized the importance of continuous CPR throughout the emergency care duration of one hour and 45 minutes, highlighting the role of ECMO in providing essential circulatory support for Marcantonio’s survival. The intervention, facilitated by ECMO on the Go, showcased the collaborative efforts among healthcare facilities in the Hartford HealthCare network.
The efficient transfer of ECMO equipment to the Hospital of Central Connecticut and the subsequent move to Hartford Hospital demonstrated the coordinated actions that ultimately led to Marcantonio’s recovery. Dr. Jason Gluck stressed the pivotal role of ECMO in stabilizing Marcantonio’s condition and enabling the clot-dissolving medication to take effect, aiding in his cardiac recovery.
Moreover, the narrative illuminated the rarity of Marcantonio’s heart condition, known as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), highlighting the intricacies of his medical journey and the crucial interventions that proved decisive in his survival. The combined efforts of medical professionals, alongside timely CPR and advanced medical technologies, culminated in Marcantonio’s remarkable turnaround.
In retrospect of his near-fatal encounter, Marcantonio recognized the significant contributions of his stepfather and the healthcare team in his survival, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective CPR in such emergencies. His story stands as a testament to the value of CPR training and immediate action in improving the odds of survival during cardiac arrest incidents.
As Marcantonio embarks on his path to recovery, he stresses the significance of establishing physical and mental objectives while resisting fear or anxiety about a potential relapse. His resilience and determination to progress underscore the profound impact of his challenging experience on his perspective towards life and well-being.