Loyola Doctor Helps Fellow Berlin Marathon Runner in Cardiac Arrest — Still Beats Personal Record
A Medical Professional’s Instincts Kick In
Dr. Eliza Pierko, a Loyola Medicine sports medicine physician, was on a roll during the Berlin Marathon two weeks ago. She had just finished her 24th mile, with 2.8 miles to go, and was on pace to crush her personal record. But everything changed when she noticed a fellow runner, a man in his 60s, lying on the ground, unresponsive.
A Call to Action
Pierko, who often works as the on-site physician at sporting events, sprang into action. She found a pulse on the man’s neck but was not getting a response. She shouted to the bystanders that the man was in cardiac arrest and took over compressions.
A Team Effort
Runners continued jogging by, some briefly stopping before resuming their race. Spectators gathered around, including a group who provided a blanket to shield Pierko and the man from onlookers. Another bystander took over compressions, and they continued to work together until paramedics arrived with a defibrillator.
A Quick Intervention
The paramedics placed the defibrillator pads on the man and shocked him, restoring his heartbeat to a normal rhythm. His skin color returned to normal, and he began to breathe again. With the situation under control, Pierko decided to resume her marathon, knowing the man was in good hands.
The Ultimate Show of Perseverance
She continued running, still feeling the adrenaline from the event. Her watch showed her heart rate at an astounding 185 beats per minute, much higher than during the actual race. Nevertheless, she pressed on, determined to complete the remaining 4.7 miles of the marathon.
Despite the interruption, Pierko managed to finish the race, beating her personal record by two minutes and 53 seconds, with a total time of 4:28:55.
A Lesson Learned
Pierko reflected on the experience, noting, “If she were in a similar situation, she would stop and help, just as she did in Berlin.”
Advice for Fellow Runners
Pierko shared words of wisdom for fellow runners, “Take it easy, start slow. If you’re having shortness of breath or chest pains, stop immediately and call for help. It can’t be overlooked, and those runners do need to be seen by a medical professional.” She also emphasized the importance of filling out the medical information on the back of their runner’s bib, which can include emergency contacts and other medical background, as it can “save your life.”
Conclusion
Dr. Eliza Pierko’s selfless act during the Berlin Marathon showcases the critical role bystander intervention can play in saving lives. Her experience serves as a reminder to always prioritize others, even in the midst of a personal goal. In this case, her determination to help a stranger in need not only saved a life but also led her to a personal best finish time, an inspiring feat that will be remembered long after the finish line.
FAQs
* What is the most important thing to do if someone is experiencing cardiac arrest?
If someone is having shortness of breath or chest pains, they should stop immediately and call for help.
* Why is it crucial to fill out the medical information on the back of the runner’s bib?
It can save your life by providing emergency contacts and medical background to medical professionals.
* What did Dr. Pierko advise fellow runners to do during the race?
She recommended taking it easy, starting slow, and stopping immediately if experiencing shortness of breath or chest pains to call for help.
