ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – For the first time since suffering a heart attack, an Orange County man was able to reunite with bystanders and first responders who saved his life.
Cliff Trossett met with Orange County Fire Rescue crews and workers from Bay Hill Country Club on Wednesday.
The gathering came nearly a month after he collapsed while handing out flyers at the golf course on Nov. 11.
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“It’s amazing. I’m very fortunate that they’re all here and they were in the position they were in on that day,” Trossett said. “God was definitely watching over me that day and put me where I was supposed to be.
Roy Saunders, who is the director at Bay Hill, was talking with Trossett when he suddenly fell to the ground.
While not CPR certified, Saunders said he immediately began chest compressions based on what he previously saw on TV.
“Just got him on his back and started pumping away,” Saunders said. “I could see that his eyes were open, but no response.”
Other country club employees grabbed an automated external defibrillator and applied the device while 911 was called.
Orange County Fire Rescue crews arrived minutes later and said they were able to revive Trossett because of bystander help.
“(The help) played a huge part and had a positive outcome for this man,” paramedic Ben Baker said.
Each of the people involved in the rescue received lifesaving certificates from Orange County Fire Rescue.
Saunders said the experience has prompted him to explore purchasing additional AED devices at the country club and providing CPR training for employees.
“Very, very important just trying to do what you can to help somebody because it may be me one day.”
To inquire about CPR training through Orange County Fire Rescue, click here.