During the grueling 412-mile Ride the Rockies Colorado Bicycle Tour, a 57-year-old father experienced a life-threatening situation while cycling with his 13-year-old daughter. Just shy of the 50-mile mark on Cottonwood Pass, the unthinkable happened - sudden cardiac arrest struck.
Quick Response and the ZOLL AED Plus
Thanks to the tour organizers' commitment to safety, help was immediately available:
- Bike medics patrolled the route
- Medical teams in support vehicles carried ZOLL AED Plus devices
- Staff received thorough training on using the ZOLL AED Plus
Within moments of the cyclist's collapse:
- A bike medic arrived and began CPR
- Additional medics managed the scene and comforted the cyclist's daughter
- A support vehicle arrived with the crucial ZOLL AED Plus
The ZOLL AED Plus in Action
Chandler D. Smith, tour director, witnessed the resuscitation firsthand:
"We followed the AED's prompts, and the event unfolded just like our training. Everything worked just like we practiced. If it wasn't for the ZOLL AED Plus, we would have had a different outcome."
The ZOLL AED Plus guided the rescue team through:
- Electrode placement
- CPR administration
- Shock delivery
- Continued chest compressions
A Positive Outcome
Thanks to the quick response and the effectiveness of the ZOLL AED Plus:
- The cyclist regained a pulse
- He was transported to the hospital for further treatment
- Two months later, he was recovering well
The Impact of ZOLL AED Plus
This incident highlights the critical importance of having AEDs readily available at sporting events. The ZOLL AED Plus proved to be:
- Easy to use
- Effective in guiding rescuers
- Crucial in saving a life
Recognition and Reflection
The Ride the Rockies team received the Adult Life Save Award from the local American Red Cross chapter, acknowledging their life-saving efforts and preparedness.
This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of AEDs like the ZOLL AED Plus in public spaces and at sporting events. It demonstrates how proper preparation and the right equipment can turn a potential tragedy into a story of survival.