Nineteen People, One Chain of Survival, and a Life Saved.
On Saturday, September 27, David St. Pierre Jr. went to work like any other day. What happened next would test every link in the emergency response chain, and ultimately show what’s possible when preparation, teamwork, and community come together.
While at work, David suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. In those first critical moments, his co-workers recognized the emergency, called 911, and immediately began CPR. Their actions kept David alive for nearly an hour before he could be transported for advanced medical care, an extraordinary effort that made everything else possible.
From there, the response expanded rapidly and seamlessly. Dispatchers coordinated incoming resources. EMS crews delivered advanced cardiac care and ensured rapid transport. Hospital teams took over with lifesaving treatment and continued care. Each step depended on the one before it.
Because every link held strong, David survived.
A special recognition ceremony in Rensselaer honored 19 individuals whose actions helped save David’s life. The event, held in partnership with the American Heart Association and W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad, brought together bystanders, dispatchers, EMS responders, and hospital professionals — many meeting again with David for the first time since that day.
Standing alongside those who helped save him, David shared a powerful reflection:
“Every day is a gift from here on out. The way I see it, I shouldn’t be here, but there’s a reason why I’m still here, and I live every day to the fullest.”
For emergency responders and medical professionals, stories like David’s are a reminder of why the work matters. As Dr. Warren Hayashi of the Albany Health System noted, moments like this reflect the countless hours of training, preparation, and collaboration that often happen behind the scenes, all coming together when it matters most.
This outcome also underscores the importance of community readiness. Early CPR made the difference, and the American Heart Association continues to encourage everyone to learn hands-only CPR, a skill that can turn bystanders into lifesavers.
David’s story is not just about one person surviving a cardiac arrest. It’s about co-workers who acted without hesitation, dispatchers who coordinated care under pressure, EMS professionals trained for high-stakes moments, hospital teams who carried care forward, and a community prepared to respond.
We are grateful to David for allowing his story to be shared, and to every individual who played a role in this extraordinary outcome. It is a powerful reminder that saving a life is never the work of one person alone.
Together, we save lives.