Off-duty EMTs save Cedar City man’s life

CEDAR CITY, Utah. A Cedar City man is returning home a week after it seemed like his life was coming to an end in a supermarket parking lot.

But it turns out he was given new life by two people who didn’t take the term “off duty” seriously.

About a week ago, in this parking lot of Smith’s in Cedar City, 77-year-old Marco Pesantez was loading his groceries when he suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. It turned out that a little luck was on his side.

“There were several EMTs who were off duty and actually leaving at the same time, and they saw what happened and were able to immediately and effectively perform CPR, which is why he is with us today,” Ana Turpin , Pesantes’ daughter said.

About two and a half years ago, Pesantez fell in love with Cedar City and moved his entire family there from Las Vegas. He was still working, until his heart stopped, on duty at a local Chili’s restaurant.

He had just cashed his check from shopping at Smith’s when he passed out.

Market workers said they did not expect him to survive and were surprised to learn that he had recovered and was going home. Turpin said she is indebted to the two EMTs on duty “forever.”

“I mean, they saved my dad’s life,” she said. “And thanks to them he’s still here. The cardiologist told us that if he had not received CPR immediately as he did, he likely would have suffered brain damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain.

After spending a week at St. George Regional Hospital after being airlifted there, Turpin said Pesantes was released Monday afternoon.

“The doctors were very shocked by how it all happened. about his quick recovery.”

The only thing that worries Pesantes and his family now: medical bills.

“His bills are astronomical, and I think that’s what’s weighing on him and not allowing him to continue to recover the way he should,” Turpin said.

Turpin and the rest of the family are trying to raise some money online for his recovery. But they say they are grateful to two anonymous emergency doctors who didn’t take the term seriously.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via this GoFundMe page.