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California High School Coach Reunites With Off-Duty Firefighter Who Saved Him After Cardiac Arrest

Officials credit immediate CPR plus defibrillation for the rare outcome of him being conscious in the ambulance.

Overview

  • Rob Frith, 48, collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest on Dec. 19 while playing pickleball in San Clemente.
  • Off-duty OCFA firefighter John Rowlands began chest compressions as bystanders called 911, joined by another firefighter and a nurse.
  • Sheriff's deputies applied an AED, delivering two shocks, before OCFA paramedics provided additional shocks, medications and transport.
  • Doctors later identified an underlying heart condition affecting his right ventricle, and an implantable defibrillator was placed.
  • Frith thanked rescuers during a Jan. 12 visit to Fire Station 59 and says he plans to return to teaching and advocate for CPR and AED training.