North Texas cardiologist jumps into action to save collapsed cyclist
North Texas cardiologist saves collapsed cyclist
A cardiologist in the right place at the right time helped save a 71-year-old cyclist who collapsed while on a ride. Bill Parmelee collapsed in the middle of a 48-mile bike ride. Fortunately, a Baylor, Scott & White cardiologist was driving by at the time.
A cardiologist in the right place at the right time helped save a 71-year-old cyclist who collapsed while on a ride.
It is a remarkable story of what can happen when you pay attention to your surroundings and don't hesitate to jump into action.
Cardiologist saves cyclist
What Happened:
Every Saturday, 71-year-old former triathlete Bill Parmelee hops on his bike for a 48-mile ride.
The route takes him from Bedford up to Southlake then back home.
Last Saturday, it was the same routine, until he reached a hill in Westlake and keeled over.
The last thing Parmelee remembers before he blacked out is seeing a car.
The person behind the wheel was Matthew Evans, a cardiac electrophysiologist.
"I saw Bill coming up the hill the opposite direction and he looked pretty bad when I saw him, he was really struggling," recalled Evans.
When Parmelee fell off his bike, Evans ran over and checked for a pulse.
Parmelee's pulse stopped as Evans dialed 911.
"I think I literally said out loud, okay here we go, and started chest compressions at that moment," recalled Evans.
Evans continued CPR for the next 10 minutes until police arrived and got an AED to shock Parmelee.
A neighbor set FOX 4 a video of Evans' life-saving measures. In the video, you can see him get emotional. He says this was the moment Parmelee came back to life.
"He literally reentered the world at that moment," said Evans.
Road back to health
Parmelee went to the ER where doctors discovered he had a blocked artery that caused the cardiac arrest.
He had a stint put in and is healing from six broken ribs as a result of the chest compressions.
A week removed from the incident, he's already feeling better than before.
What they're saying:
"I look at it as I’m very, very fortunate, and I really am trying to figure it out. I know I’m about to have a grandchild this year. Being a granddad, I know I’m saved to do that and maybe promote heart health. I’m still trying to figure it out," said Parmelee.
Reunited after rescue
When the two met after the rescue, there was an immediate heartfelt connection.
Parmelee believes he wouldn't be here without Evans' heroic actions.
He says he has learned some lessons of his own, like always riding with a buddy, paying attention to any changes in your body and to get calcium-scoring tests to monitor your heart health.
What they're saying:
"This was the first time that I can say my intervention made a huge difference," said Evans.
"The CPR is the only reason I’m talking to you today," said Parmelee.
What you can do:
Evans hopes this is a sign for everyone to learn CPR so you can save a life too.
"I think that the best thing that can come of this besides him being around for his grandchild to be born is to also help spread awareness that this is not a hard thing to do. This is not a hard thing to learn how to do, anyone can do what I did," said Evans.
The Source: Information in this article comes from an interview with Bill Parmelee and Matthew Evans.