Systems of Care

David Barkley Danville, IN

On October 22, 2011, David experienced a heart attack caused by a 100 percent blockage of the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery of his heart. This type of cardiac event is nicknamed the “widow maker” because blockage of this artery is often associated with a poor outcome or even death. David woke up the morning of his heart attack feeling fine. He then experienced a mild twinge of pain in his chest around 7:15 a.m. as he was headed home after his shift at the Danville Fire Department. Just one stoplight later, he knew he had to act. He turned his car around and drove back to the fire station.

Surprised to see him, his fellow first responders jumped into action. They evaluated him, started an IV, and administered four baby aspirin as well as nitroglycerin spray under his tongue. By this time, David was soaking wet with sweat and was experiencing shortness of breath. He was transferred by ambulance to the Hendricks Regional Health Emergency Department.

David remembers feeling strangely calm at that point. “I think I was coming to grips with dying,” he said. “But I remember thinking about my grandsons, and worrying that they were too young to remember me.”

Well, that just wasn’t going to happen. Not on emergency physician Dr. Mark Tompkins’ watch. He and his supporting team of experienced nurses immediately worked to stabilize David and give him additional life-saving medication. The St. Vincent StatFlight helicopter stationed 24/7 at Hendricks Regional Health Danville was ready to go. David was flown to St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana, which saved precious minutes. Hendricks Regional Health and St. Vincent have a cardiovascular partnership, and that has led to a team that works well together to save lives in situations just like David’s.

Upon arriving at St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana, David was in the cath lab within minutes and received a stent to help repair the blockage and restore blood flow.

Miraculously, he has no permanent damage to his heart. David’s success story can be chalked up to one main thing – his own quick response. He didn’t wait to get help. From 7:15 a.m. when he felt the first chest pain, it was less than two hours until he was in the cath lab. Incredibly, the stent was placed before 9:30 a.m. and David’s life was saved.

The many healthcare professionals involved all did exactly what they were trained to do, but it was David that set the ball in motion. In his 22 years as a firefighter and EMT he has seen far too many people that waited until it was too late. And that’s the message most important to him. Know the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke and never wait to get help.

David spent three days in the hospital, and was discharged just in time to make it to his son Josh’s wedding in Maryland. He sat in the front row and couldn’t have been happier or more proud.

Looking back, he’s touched by the support of his fellow first responders, many of whom rushed to the hospital when they heard one of their own was in a life-threatening situation. Being able to continue to help save lives in his community brings it all full circle for David.

And as far as his grandsons go, he doesn’t have to worry that two-year-old Caydon or four-year-old Landon won’t remember him. Now he’s got the time to be sure he makes plenty of memories with them. And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

Special thanks to Hendricks Regional Health for sharing David’s story.

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Rock Rocklage Rosemount, MN

When the helicopter arrived they refused to transport me stating; "We don't transport dead people."

My cardiac event occurred at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2007.  I was driving to a client's house for a listing appointment in Apple Valley, MN, travelling about 50 m.p.h. when I suffered a Cardiac Arrest and hit an oncoming car head on.  Thankfully no one in the oncoming car was seriously injured, but it is estimated that I was without oxygen for about 18 minutes.  I had OnStar in my car and that initiated the emergency responders.  They had to shock my heart three times in order for it to begin beating.  In the meantime a helicopter arrived, but refused to transport me stating "We don't transport dead people."  Eventually I was rushed to a hospital, but they weren't equipped to treat patients like me, so they rushed me to a trauma center.  I was in a coma for about a week during which time my family was told to start making alternative plans.  I remained at the hospital for five weeks, not remembering anything.  After months of intensive rehab my health began to get better.  In the intermittent time I have undergone a quadruple bypass, had stents put in and also had a defibrillator installed.  At the present time I am quite healthy and very grateful for everyone who had anything to do with my recovery.

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Neal Reynolds, Maryland

Neal Reynolds was never an active advocate until his passion for telemedicine collided with a policy opportunity. As a physician who has spent a lot of time over the years working in hospital intensive care units, he has unique insight into how policy change for telemedicine would save lives. "It's very powerful to work at this level, where you can push for legislation that would change entire systems of care for maximum impact. I am excited about broadening the scope of telemedicine through public policy opportunities, bringing treatment to people who might not otherwise receive it."

Neal (center top in photo) says he was initially intimidated by the legislative process, but AHA staff helped him with what to do and how to approach legislators. When asked how he would counsel other You're the Cure members to prepare themselves for a higher level of advocacy, he offered these words of advice: 

• Realize you don't have to be afraid of it. Swallow any discomfort, do your homework and you'll do fine.
• Find someone who knows the ropes, like I did with Jennifer Witten, who is a Government Relations Director in Maryland, and let them guide you. 
• Be honest and sincere. Share the passion you have for the issue and make it personal when you talk about it.

Neal wrote letters and provided written testimony to help legislators understand the importance of the telemedicine bills. "The legislators wanted my input, even asked what they could do to help! I wish I'd known about this avenue for change years ago."

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