Kenny Mikota (center, wearing a white cap) is pictured with the citizens, volunteers, emergency responders and ambulance staff who were honored for saving his life after he experienced cardiac arrest. (submitted photo)
By Samantha Ludeking, Driftless Journal Production Manager
Kenny Mikota of rural Calmar can attest to the importance of CPR and AEDs. This past fall, when Mikota experienced cardiac arrest at T’d Up Fitness in Decorah, his daughter Carrie Hovey, who had been working out with her dad, jumped into action — immediately performing CPR, along with Kris Thuente, Mai French and Nicole Mathis, who were also at the facility working out. The women performed CPR until emergency responders arrived. Once on-scene, local and county law enforcement officers and first responders continued CPR and performed defibrillation, during which a dose of electric current is sent directly to the heart. WinnMed personnel ambulance staff also provided advanced life support therapy on the scene.
“I’m told there is a 7 percent survival rate if you experience cardiac arrest and are not in a hospital, so I am very fortunate,” said Mikota, adding that he counts himself lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to experience cardiac arrest. “Carrie was trained in CPR and so were the others who helped save me before the ambulance showed up.”
“Kenny’s story is a testament to the high level of emergency response in Winneshiek County,” said WinnMed Ambulance Director Steve Vanden Brink. “Everyone’s quick response, paired with advanced skills utilizing CPR and defibrillation, saved Kenny’s life.”
Read a special report by Denise Lana on the importance of CPR and AEDs here.
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