Family Saves His Life

They were enjoying the holiday's together. Having just finished a meal, the plan was to break out some board games. So imagine the shock and horror when this Utah family witnessed their beloved family member, Bob Watson, collapse to the floor. Initially suspecting a seizure 911 was immediately notified but the family knew to alert Kyle Giacconi, the brother-in-law from outside to please come in and help. The reason? He is a former Emergency Medical Technician.

Kyle with the cadence instructions of the 911 operator began chest compressions until the actual EMT's arrived and used a defibrillator. Other family members rushed to shield the kids from noticing or panicking about the situation. It was as if, everyone knew their role and perfectly played their part. Heather Watson, Bob's wife, stated it this way, "Everybody was able to find their part to do, whether it was moving furniture or getting the little ones out of the room." As grateful as she was to have such a great family response, Bob was especially thankful that his brother-in-law gave him precious time while the ambulance was on the way. "He literally saved my life. I am surprised he doesn't wear a cape every day."

What was thought to be a seizure was now confirmed to be a heart attack. Bob had underlying health issues recently such as severe pneumonia that likely contributed to this scary event. "I don't remember anything until thinking 'he's crushing me' when they were doing CPR," says Watson when asked what he recalls regarding the specifics of his heart attack. Though the entire scene unfolded on a living-room camera, Watson has been reluctant to watch the footage, overcome with emotion not only about how close he came to death but in seeing his family panic while coming to his aid.

Thankfully this story has a happy ending and the recovery process is in full swing.

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