Donald Self said on New Year’s Eve he was working out at the Sunbury YMCA when he collapsed.
His heart stopped and so did his breathing.
“I just blacked out. I didn’t hear feel or had no senses at all,” said Self.
Someone found Self on the floor and pulled the emergency cord for help.
YMCA workers Lori Bohner and Nancy Shipe were there that day.
“It kind of automatically kicks in and you know what needs to be done and you just do it. Afterward you kind of get noodle kneed for a while. You think about it afterwards but we have quite a happy ending,” said Bohner.
“I was trained but never put it in action. Now I know I can do it if I have to,” said Shipe.
They and an off-duty officer jumped into action, using a defibrillator on Self and performing CPR.
Self was taken to Geisinger Medical Center where a mini defibrillator was placed in his chest.
“I’m thankful that I was there I wished it hadn’t happen but if I had to anywhere I’m glad it was there,” added Self.
“The proper words to say are thanks. I do appreciate what they did,” said Self.
