From Heart Attack to Hope: A Hurricane Relief Volunteer’s Journey of Survival
A Call to Action After Disaster
LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. – When Glen Atwell, a resident of Denver, NC, witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, his heart couldn’t ignore the suffering of his fellow North Carolinians. At the age of 62, he felt a strong urge to step up and help those in need, joining a group of dedicated volunteers from his church to assist in the recovery efforts.
A Fateful Day
On October 12, 2024, Glen and his team arrived in a neighborhood ravaged by the storm. They began the arduous task of removing debris, but as the day unfolded, Glen began to feel something was seriously wrong.
“I just felt incredibly weak; I couldn’t hold myself up,” he recounted, a worried expression painting his face as he recalled that fateful moment.
A Life on the Line
Fortunately, paramedics were stationed nearby and swiftly responded to Glen’s situation. They provided him with baby aspirin and an EKG, but their expressions told a different story. “The EMT looked at me and said, ‘Ooh no,’” he noted, anxiety creeping into his voice.
Then, without warning, Glen lost consciousness.
Rescue from the Brink
Lizz Kurc, assistant operations supervisor and paramedic with Medic, vividly described the critical situation. “I mean, he was dead. For six minutes, his heart wasn’t doing what it needs to do,” Kurc stated.
After an intense battle between life and death, Glen regained consciousness. In a moment of levity that belied the gravity of the situation, he joked, “I’m sorry I must have taken a nap.” To which Kurc replied, “You didn’t take a nap, my friend. You had died for about six minutes.”
A Heart Attack Diagnosis
Rushed to the hospital, Glen learned he had suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack—an ominous term for a condition where one of the heart’s arteries is completely blocked. The doctors quickly placed stents to restore blood flow.
“It’s hard to think your family was almost without a dad, or your granddaughter was without a grandfather,” he reflected, the weight of the near-miss heavy on his heart.
Lessons Learned
Glen’s road to recovery didn’t end with the stents. He is currently working with healthcare professionals at Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute to revamp his lifestyle. Noting that genetics played a role in his family history, he understood the importance of being proactive about his health.
“I should have been paying attention more to genetics and thinking about diet and exercise,” he admitted.
Expert Insights on Heart Health
Dr. Nyal Borges, the director of interventional cardiology at Atrium Health, underscored the urgency of heart health awareness. “For many, the survival rate of a heart attack outside the hospital is dismally low,” he warned. Dr. Borges emphasized the importance of CPR training, regular check-ups, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
“Please, if you have a family history of heart disease, or if you smoke or have other medical conditions, it’s critical to see a primary care doctor,” he urged passionately.
A Grateful Reunion
Months later, Glen had the heartfelt opportunity to reunite with the paramedics who saved his life at Medic headquarters in West Charlotte. “All of our providers hope for outcomes like this, and that’s why we do it—for those rare opportunities at life,” Kurc remarked, a shared sense of relief evident among them.
Inspiring Others to Change
Today, Glen leads a healthier lifestyle, having adopted a Mediterranean diet and committing to regular exercise. He shares his story to inspire others to take charge of their heart health.
“If one person hears this story and decides to change their diet and exercise, it’ll be well worth it,” Glen asserts with conviction.
Take Action for Your Heart
Glen Atwell’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the crucial importance of heart health. For those interested in learning more about cardiovascular wellness, consider exploring resources like the American Heart Association.
By sharing Glen’s incredible journey, we hope to inspire others to focus on heart health, embrace lifestyle changes, and recognize the power of community in times of crisis.
