JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Seven lifeguards were honored after saving a healthy 40-year-old man who's heart suddenly gave out on the sand at Jacksonville Beach.
J.R. Bourne said tests show he didn't have any blockages in his arteries. And while doctors try to find the reason why, Bourne said he never realized how great a resource Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue was, until he needed them.
Recommended Videos
"I'm just happy I could be here and thank all these guys again, really," Bourne said.
Saying, "thanks," hardly expresses J.R. Bourne's gratitude, to the group of Jacksonville Beach lifeguards who saved his life. Last month, the 40-year-old was just kicking a soccer ball around Jacksonville Beach with a friend, when he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest.
READ: Jax Beach lifeguards save dying man with AED
"When we train for our recruit class and everything, a lot of emphasis is put on teamwork and communication," said Samantha Peters.
The group of seven lifeguards just happened to be setting up the beach nearby and one lifeguard called 911. And another started CPR, and a third grabbed an automated external defibrillator.
"AEDs are so important. They really need to be in every apartment complex, every school, every hotel, Peters said.
This latest high-tech version monitored whether lifeguards were correctly giving Bourne CPR, and told lifeguards when it was best to shock J.R.sheart -- twice. After they restored his pulse and consciousness, they took him to an awaiting ambulance. Since then, doctors implanted a defibrillator inside Bourne.
"I am prevented from ever having to use an AED again on myself. Maybe I'll be there for someone else someday," Bourne said.
Zoll, the company that makes this particular AED presented an award to each lifeguard Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, Bourne said he has more medical tests later this week to help determine what happened to him.