Marco Correas, a 24-year-old MacEwan University basketball player from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, had a life-altering experience when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice on November 7.
“I don’t have a lot of memory of that moment,” Correas recalled. “I left the court, grabbed my chest, and felt dizzy. My assistant coach saw me on the floor, and that’s when the training staff rushed to save me.”
Head Athletic Trainer Jennifer Dunn, assistant Athletic Trainer Adrienne Dorn, student therapist J’ Ramsanker, and lifeguard Michael Hartog worked together to administer CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart Correas’ heart.
Correas spent 17 days in the hospital and has since been well enough to support his teammates from the sidelines.
“I’ve always appreciated them, but now they’ll always hold a special place in my heart,” said Correas. “Everything I accomplish in life, I’ll look back and say it’s because of them.”
Doctors were unable to determine the exact cause of his cardiac arrest, though they suspect it was due to a serious arrhythmia. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was inserted in his ribcage to restart his heart if it happens again.
The experience left Correas reflecting deeply on how fragile life can be.
“I definitely thought, ‘Is this how I’m going to die?’” he said.
For now, Correas is focused on recovery and gratitude for those who saved him.
“I’ve been given another chance,” he said. “I just have to live in the moment and move forward.”
Dunn reflected on the intense experience, noting how vital preparation and teamwork were to the positive outcome.
“There’s nothing better than seeing Marco walking through the halls, doing well.”
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