Courtesy Fox 4 News
A 71-year-old cyclist owes his life to a cardiologist who happened to be in the right place at the right time during a routine ride. This incredible story highlights the power of staying aware of your surroundings and the importance of acting without hesitation when an emergency arises.
Every Saturday, Bill Parmelee, a former triathlete, embarks on a 48-mile ride, covering a route from Bedford to Southlake and back. On one particular Saturday, the ride took a sudden turn when Parmelee collapsed after reaching a hill in Westlake. The last thing he remembers before losing consciousness is seeing a car approaching.
That car was being driven by Matthew Evans, a cardiac electrophysiologist.
“I saw Bill coming up the hill in the opposite direction, and he appeared to be in distress, struggling considerably,” Evans recalled.
When Parmelee fell from his bike, Evans immediately rushed to his side and checked for a pulse. To his dismay, Parmelee’s pulse had stopped. Without hesitation, Evans dialed 911 and began chest compressions.
“I think I literally said out loud, ‘Okay, here we go,’ and started CPR immediately,” Evans explained.
For the next ten minutes, Evans continued administering CPR until police arrived with an AED to deliver a shock. A neighbor captured the intense moment on video, showing Evans visibly emotional when Parmelee regained consciousness. “He literally reentered the world at that moment,” said Evans, reflecting on the life-saving moment.
A Journey to Recovery
Parmelee was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors discovered a blocked artery had triggered the cardiac arrest. After receiving a stent to clear the blockage, Parmelee is now recovering from the chest compressions, which resulted in six broken ribs. Despite the setbacks, he is already feeling better than before.
“I feel incredibly fortunate,” Parmelee said. “I know I’m about to become a grandfather, and I’m grateful for the chance to be there for my family. This experience has motivated me to promote heart health and take better care of myself.”
When Parmelee and Evans met after the incident, an immediate and deep connection formed. Parmelee believes his survival was only possible due to Evans’ quick and decisive actions. He has since adopted a more cautious approach to his health, including riding with a companion, paying closer attention to his body’s signals, and getting regular calcium scoring tests to monitor his heart health.
“This was the first time I can honestly say my intervention made a significant difference,” Evans said.
“The CPR is the only reason I’m talking to you today,” Parmelee added.
A Call to Action
Evans is hopeful that this experience serves as a reminder for others to learn CPR, stressing that anyone can perform life-saving measures when the need arises.
“The most important takeaway from this, besides Bill being there for the birth of his grandchild, is the message that CPR is not difficult to learn,” Evans emphasized. “Anyone can do what I did, and I hope more people will be empowered to act when someone’s life is on the line.”