Mark Reynolds, a dedicated bodybuilder, and owner of a UFC gym in Lone Tree[mfn]cbsnews.com[/mfn], has long embraced the solitary and self-reliant nature of weightlifting. However, an incident in last November during a routine workout starkly reminded him of the vulnerabilities even the strongest individuals face.
While lifting weights, Reynolds collapsed from a cardiac arrest, losing consciousness, and becoming unable to assist himself. The collapse was attributed to an excessive intake of pre-workout supplements alongside prescription medication, leading to this life-threatening event. The incident, captured on the gym’s security footage and widely shared on TikTok, garnering over 4 million views, shows bystanders and a particularly quick-acting individual coming to Reynolds’ aid.
Reynolds credits his survival to the prompt use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and the eight minutes of CPR he received before emergency services arrived. This rapid response not only saved his life but also prevented potential long-term health issues like brain damage or organ failure. Reynolds expressed deep gratitude towards the people who intervened, particularly the man who performed CPR, acknowledging that their actions were pivotal in his survival.
Now recovered after a brief stay in the ICU and dealing with some rib damage, Reynolds is back to his fitness routine with a renewed purpose. He seeks to personally thank the individual who saved him and advocate for broader CPR knowledge and the availability of AEDs in businesses. Reynolds’ story underscores the critical importance of AEDs in public spaces and the power of community and quick thinking in saving lives.
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