Jay May did not recognize the three individuals standing beside him near the podium on Thursday at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, but he understood the reason for their presence.
“I am only present here because of the presence of these individuals,” May expressed during an organized gathering by airport authorities to facilitate his meeting with the travelers who had saved his life when he suffered cardiac arrest at the airport the previous summer. “I wish to extend my gratitude. I consider myself incredibly fortunate.”
Cardiac arrest is a critical condition wherein the victim loses consciousness as the heart ceases to function, necessitating the application of CPR. An automated external defibrillator (AED) can be utilized to restore the heart’s rhythm. Dr. Haitham Hussein, the President of the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association Twin Cities, mentioned that only approximately 10 percent of individuals survive cardiac arrest. The likelihood of survival increases two to threefold if assistance is provided within the initial minutes before professional help arrives.
Mark Kortesma, a fire captain from Duluth, Minnesota, along with his wife, Kirsten, and Kyle Menza, a physician from Hermantown, Minnesota, were equipped with the knowledge of performing CPR. Positioned near Carousel No. 8, they sprang into action when May collapsed around 9:30 p.m. on July 28, administering two shocks with a defibrillator and manual chest compressions until help reached them.
In recognition of their swift actions, Hussein honored the trio with the “Heart Saver Hero Award,” a distinction reserved for laypersons who intervene during cardiac emergencies.
“Thank you for your prompt response in saving Jay’s life. Your actions are truly inspiring,” Hussein commended. “Together, we can transform a community of bystanders into a community of lifesavers.”
This was not the first instance of May experiencing cardiac arrest. His initial heart emergency occurred in February 2023 in a parking lot, where aid was provided by a woman, albeit with a delay of 10 to 12 minutes for a defibrillator to arrive at the scene. May recuperated after a hospital stay.
Reflecting on the incident at MSP, May’s wife, Jennifer, recalled thinking, “Oh, here we go again.”
May humorously admitted to having vague recollections of the event, stating that “he wasn’t skilled at succumbing.” However, as he met and embraced his rescuers for the first time on Thursday, he conveyed a heartfelt message to them.
“I lack the words to fully convey my gratitude and appreciation for being here today to recount this experience.”
For Mark Kortesma, the reunion provided closure and reassurance that his actions had a meaningful impact.
“I have eagerly anticipated meeting the ‘walking miracle’ since the chaotic evening of July 28,” Kortesma shared on Thursday. “We have prayed for a positive outcome. Being part of a team of strangers united for a common purpose is a profoundly humbling experience.”
Numerous first responders from the airport’s fire department, who had attended to May, were also present at the event. Acting chief Greg Fuller disclosed that the airport’s fire department receives approximately 2,400 calls annually, with around a dozen related to heart conditions.
Hussein emphasized the significance of CPR training in light of the positive outcome.
“Thank you for setting an example,” Hussein applauded the responders. “I trust that your actions will motivate and empower us to acquire CPR skills, and to exhibit courage in utilizing them when the need arises.”