When 34-year-old Graham Gaines experienced severe chest pain while at home with his daughter, he made a decision that helped save his life: He called 911.
Moments later, he went into cardiac arrest.
First responders from the Haltom City and Fort Worth Fire Departments arrived quickly and immediately began CPR. They continued fighting for his Graham’s life through multiple rounds of defibrillation and advanced emergency care. After his heart stopped several times, they were finally able to restore his pulse and transport him to Medical City North Hills.
When Graham arrived, the emergency department team quickly identified that he was having a major heart attack caused by a completely blocked artery. Within minutes, he was taken into surgery where the cardiac catheterization lab where the care team opened the blocked artery and placed two stents to restore blood flow to his heart.
Gaines spent several days on a ventilator before slowly regaining consciousness. As he grew stronger, physical, occupational and speech therapists collaborated with doctors, nurses and other care team members to help him regain his strength and independence.
Nineteen days after arriving at Medical City North Hills, Gaines returned home to continue his recovery with his family.
His story is a powerful reminder that saving care may not happen in one moment or in one place. It takes a connected system of care – from the 911 call and first responders to the emergency department, cardiac catheterization team, intensive care specialists, rehabilitation therapists, nurses, technicians and support colleagues.
Together, these Medical City North Hills experts gave Graham Gaines a second chance at life and more moments with the people who love him most.